In-Person Scouting Notes: Rutgers vs. Northwestern

Maxwell scouted the Rutgers vs. Northwestern game in-person! Read his game recap, as well as takeaways on 2025 NBA Draft prospects Airious "Ace" Bailey, Brooks Barnhizer, Nick Martinelli.

Warm-Ups

As I got set up at the arena, I checked my phone for the first time after a drive into Evanston. Sadly, I learned that Dylan Harper would miss the game due to his lingering injury. He was on the sidelines in a boot throughout warmups. One of the first thing that stood out in person is how different Ace Bailey looks from his teammates. Sure, he’s wiry and thin. However, his height and length are impossible not to notice, even as guys are just shooting around. He also seemed so genuinely happy to be there. That might sound odd, but it’s true. He carries himself with a real enthusiasm and seems like an infectious personality. While he didn’t come across the most intense, locked-in dude, he was loose, and that was all he needed to be. On the Northwestern end, I continue to notice Brooks Barnhizer’s funky mechanics. His arms just move around side-to-side so much on his jump-shooting motion. Nick Martinelli’s shot is quirky, too. There’s a lot of guide hand involvement. During intros, Rutgers players Lathan Sommerville and Jeremiah Williams both received rousing ovations, as they’re from Illinois.