We're so close. There's just over three weeks until the season gets going for Chris Collins and Northwestern, and there are plenty of expectations for the encore to the best season in school history.
On paper, the Wildcats project to improve from a year ago, but basketball is played on hardwood, not paper. Northwestern will have to play up to lofty expectations if it's going to take another step forward this season, but it has the personnel to do it. Collins' group is a veteran-laden team that will likely be deeper than a season ago, and there are opportunities for growth from familiar faces and a few new additions.