When the guard was selected in the second round by Oklahoma City with pick No. 44, he was the first Wildcat to be drafted since 1999. Now, he’s drawing attention from analysts like Andy Katz as he excels in the Summer League.
Like many fans, Big Ten Network college basketball analyst Andy Katz is locked in to the NBA Summer League.
One former Big Ten player in particular continues to catch Katz’s eye — Oklahoma City guard Brooks Barnhizer. The reigning league champions selected Barnhizer from Chris Collins’ Northwestern squad with the 44th overall pick in the second round of the NBA Draft in June.
The 6-foot-6 guard made Summer League history Saturday as the first player to record 6+ steals in consecutive outings. It’s the Summer League, but Katz says Barnhizer may earn himself an NBA career if he keeps up the work.
“It should come as no shock that Sam Presti, the GM of the Thunder, found a hidden gem in Brooks Barnhizer,” Katz said Tuesday. “He is doing all the kinds of things that can earn him a roster spot at some point this season. He may have some G League, he may have some real NBA time coming up, because he can defend. He brings energy, he plays his tail off.”
Before Barnhizer suffered a season-ending foot injury in February, the guard averaged 17.8 rebounds and four assists across 17 games for Northwestern.
According to Katz, Collins and Wildcat assistant coach Brian James have “everyone” telling them Barnhizer’s game is what teams want on their roster. Katz compared Barnhizer’s style of play to that of Oklahoma City’s Alex Caruso and New York’s Josh Hart.
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“Players who do the little things, the intangibles,” Katz said. “Come off the bench, bring energy, defend, rebound, good teammates, good basketball and can score when open.”
Oklahoma City is undefeated through two Summer League games. In a 90-81 win over the Nets, Barnhizer added six points, seven rebounds and seven steals. He recorded 17 points, five rebounds and six steals as the Thunder beat the Pacers 104-85 in a pseudo-championship rematch.
“[Barnhizer] does it all, and that's why he may earn himself a decent NBA career,” Katz said. “He's doing it right now in the Summer League. He's playing hard, and he's earning his time.”
Barnhizer and the Thunder will face Orlando Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. ET.
Category: General Sports
