Northwestern's Nick Martinelli Leaves Behind Legacy of Hard Work

Wildcats star forward ends college career with emotional farewell after leading Big Ten in scoring for two straight seasons

Mar. 13, 2026 at 7:37pm

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Nick Martinelli, a four-year star for the Northwestern Wildcats, ended his college basketball career on Thursday with an emotional farewell. The senior forward led the Big Ten in scoring for two consecutive seasons and left his mark on the program through his relentless work ethic and unorthodox offensive game that frustrated opposing coaches. Martinelli's legacy will continue to inspire the next generation of Wildcats as they look to build on the foundation he helped establish in Evanston.

Why it matters

Martinelli's dedication and success at Northwestern serves as an inspiring example for young players, showing that hard work and perseverance can lead to individual accolades and team success, even at a program that has historically struggled. His story resonates beyond just the basketball court, as it demonstrates the impact a single player can have on a program's culture and future.

The details

In his final game, Martinelli scored 25 points on 10-of-16 shooting, adding four rebounds, three assists and a steal. The emotional embrace between Martinelli and head coach Chris Collins at the end of the game encapsulated the bond they had built over the past four years. Martinelli's unorthodox "flipper" shot became a signature move that opposing coaches struggled to defend, as he led the Big Ten in scoring in back-to-back seasons.

  • Martinelli ended his Wildcats career on Thursday, March 13, 2026.
  • In February 2025, Martinelli hit a game-winning shot against USC that still haunts Trojans head coach Eric Musselman.

The players

Nick Martinelli

A four-year star forward for the Northwestern Wildcats who leaves the program as one of the best players in school history, setting the single-season scoring record two years in a row and leading the Big Ten in scoring for the past two seasons.

Chris Collins

The head coach of the Northwestern Wildcats, who embraced Martinelli in an emotional farewell after coaching him for over 100 games during his college career.

Eric Musselman

The head coach of the USC Trojans, who still has nightmares about Martinelli's game-winning shot against his team in February 2025.

Matt Painter

The head coach of the Purdue Boilermakers, who described Martinelli's unorthodox offensive game using terms like "booty-ball" and "herky jerky" while also expressing respect for his scoring abilities.

Fred Hoiberg

The head coach of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, who praised Martinelli as "the best scorer in college basketball" due to his unique "15, 16-foot floater" shot.

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What they’re saying

“I still think about that f***ing shot”

— Eric Musselman, USC Head Coach

“He's so efficient that it's really hard to hold him down”

— Brad Underwood, Illinois Head Coach

“This is a very, very tough league across the board. This might be the most talent in my 21 years that we've had in this league. We have some really, really good teams, and he makes it look easy at times. He makes it look easy getting 22 points.”

— Matt Painter, Purdue Head Coach

“He's so unique in his ability to hit that 15, 16-foot floater that really sometimes he's not even looking at the basket. He's so talented, and he is as gifted as a scorer – well, he's the best score in college basketball, leading the nation in that area.”

— Fred Hoiberg, Nebraska Head Coach

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 relentless work ethic and unique scoring ability made him one of the most dominant players in the Big Ten over the past two seasons, and his legacy will continue to inspire the next generation of Wildcats as they look to build on the foundation he helped establish in Evanston.