Northwestern G Brooks Barnhizer (foot) has concluded his collegiate journey
Northwestern standout senior guard Brooks Barnhizer will not be able to play for the remainder of the season due to a foot injury that has been affecting him throughout the season.
An emotional Wildcats coach Chris Collins announced this news shortly after their 75-69 loss to No. 17 Wisconsin on Saturday. Barnhizer did not participate in the game.
Barnhizer initially broke his foot in August and then worsened the injury during a game against then-No. 16 Michigan State on January 12. He continued to play in five more games but struggled in the final two.
\"We have decided to shut him down,\" Collins said, visibly upset. \"He will not be able to play for the rest of the year. It was the right decision, but he gave it his all.
\"I apologize, I am getting emotional. I have a lot of love for that kid. It's tough not seeing him out there today.\"
Collins also mentioned that Barnhizer will undergo surgery but should still be able to pursue a professional basketball career.
\"I wish I could take on his broken foot so he could play ten more games,\" Collins expressed.
The 6-foot-6 Barnhizer averaged 17.1 points in 17 games this season. He was a fan favorite and led the team in rebounds (8.8), assists (4.2), and steals (2.3).
Barnhizer played a crucial role in Northwestern's past two NCAA Tournament appearances, making it the first time in school history to qualify for March Madness in consecutive years.
During last year's tournament, Barnhizer scored the game-tying layup to force overtime in a 77-65 victory over Florida Atlantic.
After aggravating his foot against the Spartans, Barnhizer had three consecutive games with 20 or more points. However, in the following two games against then-No. 17 Illinois and Rutgers, he only scored a total of 13 points on 5-of-19 shooting.
\"In the last two games, you could see he was struggling more and more,\" Collins explained. \"Not only was he not moving well, but it was also taking a toll on him mentally.\"
After a \"heart-to-heart\" conversation between Collins and Barnhizer following their game against Rutgers on Wednesday, the decision was made. Barnhizer's teammates were informed the next day.
\"He gave an amazing speech yesterday,\" Northwestern center Matthew Nicholson said after the Wisconsin game. \"He has done so much for this program, and we just want to honor him in any way we can. He means a lot to all of us.
\"It's unfortunate how things turned out... We all understand the situation and the decision that was made by Coach.\"
Barnhizer finishes his career at Northwestern with averages of 11.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 96 games (51 starts). He scored a total of 1,067 points, made 85 3-pointers, and had 133 steals and 62 blocks.
