News Flash: Northwestern Can Still Compete Without Kevin Colbe

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images 

Kevin Colbe had been three seasons in the books, acquired 1,203 points, a Big Ten All-Freshman team honor, Jimmy V Comeback award finalist and oh yeah, a nasty foot injury.

After missing the entire 2009-10' season and watching his Wildcats drop 14-games, Colbe was destined to become a key element for Northwestern

While watching from the sideline he witnessed Jeremy Nash evolve into a complete player.

Before, Nash was a role player. He didn't receive a lot of minutes or contribute much on the floor. However, this year minutes opened and Nash went to work.

Nash, last season’s standout completed his four-year career and fans assumed Colbe could step up and fill the void.

However, before the season could even begin and predictions could be released, Colbe decided his basketball career at Northwestern was over. It wasn't due to the injury because his surgeon expects him to heal fully. Colbe decided he was going to complete his degree and graduate early.

Colbe was considered to be the best player for the Wildcats. In fact, every year he played Colbe accumulated the most points and rebounds on the team.

Northwestern valued the contributions that both Colbe and Nash gave to their program. However, they can be replaced.

A lot of minutes weren't open for Luka Mirkovic. Even with around 24 minutes a game Mirkovic averaged numbers similar or better than Nash.

With added minutes, Mirkovic will prove to be an instant upgrade from Nash.

As for Colbe, Northwestern signed four-star prospect JerShon Cobb. If you add two more inches to his frame, Cobb could certainly pose as the Northwestern version of Evan Turner.

In high school, Cobb accumulated 17.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 5.1 assist and two steals per game. He is a scoring threat off the wing and will fill the void left by Colbe. He rebounds, scores and shares the basketball. Not to mention, has great basketball I.Q. that allows him to time steals perfectly.

That sums up some of the things Colbe did for the Wildcats.

Overall, without Colbe Northwestern will be okay. Assuming Mirkovic, Cobb, John Shurna, Michael Thompson and Drew Crawford will step up, the Wildcats reserve a chance to improve from last season.

They achieved a 20-14 record without him. Next year they have more experience and talent, so you do the math.

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