Northwestern’s Jake West, Angelo Ciaravino Ready to Lead New-Look Wildcats

Northwestern men’s basketball is entering the 2026-27 season with a completely different roster, but two familiar faces are ready to help lead the way.

Guards Jake West and Angelo Ciaravino represented the Wildcats alongside head coach Chris Collins at Big Ten Media Day on Thursday, emphasizing a gritty and hungry mentality as Northwestern prepares for a new season.

For a program looking to bounce back from a disappointing year, having returning players ready to embrace bigger leadership roles could make all the difference.

Northwestern finished the 2025-26 season with a 15-19 record, missing the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive year. The Wildcats also lost several important contributors during the offseason, including leading scorer Nick Martinelli, who averaged 23 points per game.

That leaves West and Ciaravino among the few players who understand what it means to compete in Collins’ system and represent Northwestern in the Big Ten.

And both have already shown flashes of what they can bring to the table.

West is entering his sophomore season after appearing in 33 games as a freshman, making 17 starts. He averaged 5.3 points and 2.8 assists per game while shooting 36.4% from three-point range.

One of his most impressive performances came against Penn State on January 29, when he recorded 13 assists in Northwestern’s 94-73 victory. It was the most assists by a Big Ten freshman that season and the most by a Northwestern player since 2018.

West’s ability to distribute the basketball and control the offense could become even more important this season.

With several new players joining the roster, having an experienced point guard who understands Collins’ expectations will be valuable as Northwestern develops chemistry.

Meanwhile, Ciaravino brings a different type of presence.

The junior guard appeared in 33 games last season, making 18 starts while averaging 6.3 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. He also shot an impressive 51.2% from the field, showing his ability to finish efficiently and contribute in different ways.

Ciaravino has already demonstrated a willingness to do the little things that help a team win, whether that means competing defensively, attacking the basket or bringing energy on the floor.

Now, he will have an opportunity to take on a larger role.

That responsibility becomes even more important considering just how much Northwestern’s roster has changed.

The Wildcats added several transfers during the offseason, including Jack Karasinski from Bellarmine, LA Pratt from Northeastern and Colin Smith from UC Santa Barbara.

While those additions bring experience and scoring ability, building a successful team will require more than simply putting talented players together.

It will take leadership, communication and a willingness to compete for one another. That is where West and Ciaravino can make their biggest impact.

Both players have already experienced the challenges of competing in the Big Ten. They understand the physicality of conference play and how difficult it can be to win consistently against some of the nation’s top programs.

Now, they have an opportunity to help establish the identity of a new-look Northwestern team.

Their emphasis on being gritty and hungry at Big Ten Media Day is an encouraging message for a program that has plenty to prove.

Northwestern will not enter the season with the same expectations as some of the conference’s biggest programs, but that does not mean the Wildcats cannot surprise people.

Collins has already shown that he can build successful teams in Evanston, leading Northwestern to NCAA Tournament appearances in 2023 and 2024.

Getting back to that level will require contributions from everyone, especially the players who have been with the program and understand what it takes to win.

For West, that could mean becoming a more consistent offensive leader while continuing to develop as a playmaker.

For Ciaravino, it could mean taking another step forward as a scorer, rebounder and experienced presence on the floor.

But perhaps their biggest responsibility will be helping the newcomers understand the standard Northwestern wants to establish.

There will undoubtedly be growing pains with so many new faces, especially once Big Ten play begins.

However, having two returning players who are eager to lead and embrace the challenge is a positive sign for the Wildcats.

Northwestern is entering a new chapter with a roster full of fresh opportunities.

And if West and Ciaravino can help turn that gritty, hungry mentality into consistent performances on the court, the Wildcats could have the foundation they need to take a step forward this season.