Northwestern Senior Superstar Nick Martinelli Earns Massive New Honor

Martinelli named to Midseason Watch List for 2026 State Farm College Slam Dunk & 3-Point Championships

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Northwestern University Wildcats small forward Nick Martinelli has been named to the Midseason Watch List for the 2026 State Farm College Slam Dunk & 3-Point Championships. The 6-foot-7 senior has been a standout performer for the Wildcats this season, averaging 22.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 0.6 steals per game while shooting 50% from the field, 43% from 3-point range, and 80.5% from the free-throw line.

Why it matters

Martinelli's selection to the prestigious 3-Point Championship Watch List is a testament to his exceptional shooting ability and overall offensive game. As a key player for the struggling Wildcats, his performance this season has garnered national attention and could boost his chances of earning postseason accolades, despite Northwestern's likely absence from the NCAA Tournament.

The details

Martinelli joins a star-studded field of players vying for the 3-Point Championship, including Indiana's Lamar Wilkerson, Vanderbilt's Tyler Nickel, and Purdue's Fletcher Loyer. The competition will take place on April 3 at Butler's Hinkle Fieldhouse, with the event being televised on ESPN the following day, April 5.

  • Martinelli has been named to the Midseason Watch List for the 2026 State Farm College Slam Dunk & 3-Point Championships.
  • The 3-Point Championship competition will take place on Friday, April 3, 2026.
  • The event will be televised on ESPN at 12:30 p.m. CT on Sunday, April 5, 2026.

The players

Nick Martinelli

A 6-foot-7 senior small forward for the Northwestern University Wildcats, Martinelli has been a standout performer this season, averaging 22.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 0.6 steals per game while shooting 50% from the field, 43% from 3-point range, and 80.5% from the free-throw line.

Lamar Wilkerson

A shooting guard for the Indiana Hoosiers, Wilkerson has also been named to the Midseason Watch List for the 2026 State Farm College Slam Dunk & 3-Point Championships.

Tyler Nickel

A forward for the Vanderbilt Commodores, Nickel has been included on the Midseason Watch List for the 2026 State Farm College Slam Dunk & 3-Point Championships.

Fletcher Loyer

A shooting guard for the Purdue Boilermakers, Loyer has been named to the Midseason Watch List for the 2026 State Farm College Slam Dunk & 3-Point Championships.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Nicky for 3 🤌”

— Northwestern Basketball (Twitter)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Martinelli's selection to the prestigious 3-Point Championship Watch List highlights his exceptional shooting ability and overall offensive game, which could boost his chances of earning postseason accolades despite Northwestern's likely absence from the NCAA Tournament.