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Last year in head coach Chris Collin's first season Northwestern finished 15-17 overall and 6-12 in the Big Ten. The thought process is that Collins has the pedigree to elevate a program like Northwestern. While Northwestern isn't the easiest place to recruit for, thanks to the universities academics, it's similar to Duke University so Collins understands the challenges associated with building a basketball program at a school that stresses education over athletics.
Aaron Falzon (Northfield-Mount Hermon School - Newton, MA) is a 6'7", 190 pound, power forward. He's a 4-star recruit (according to ESPN), who'll hopefully be a key piece for Northwestern. Collins had some competition for Falzon, with Boston College, Georgia, Notre Dame, Penn State, Providence and Rutgers all offering scholarships. The addition of Falzon was a big acquisition for Collins, but how will he help Northwestern in 2015?
Scouting Report
If a direct line drive presents itself, Falzon can take it. He's not dynamic off the dribble, but it'll be enough to keep defenses honest. He shouldn't have much trouble getting off his shot, but if he does, he can put the ball on the floor a bit. Falzon's a good athlete too, so he can finish creatively around the basket with either hand or above the rim.
His shooting will make Northwestern's offense more dynamic. Traditionally, they've struggled to score and are in need of playmakers and (more importantly) shotmakers. Falzon will certainly help.
Areas for Improvement
Offensively, if he could develop a little more dynamic game off the dribble, it'll take the pressure off his shooting and perhaps afford him more opportunities beyond the arc. Defenders will try to chase him off the three point line with hard closeouts, but they won't be bale to close so hard if he shows the ability to drive to the bucket.
At his size, could he develop a post game? If he's going to play more on the perimeter, he will most likely have larger and more athletic wings guarding him. At 6'8" he may often have the advantage over a smaller defender, though he may lack the speed to guard smaller wings on defense. Exploiting those mismatches on offense will open up looks for teammates if double teams flow to him.
Overall
Northwestern has a few pieces, but they're young. There's a lot to like about Aaron Falzon and he's already elite in one aspect it'll just be a matter of improving slightly in other areas to become a program game-changer.