Northwestern men’s basketball got an impressive debut from one of its newest additions Monday night, as graduate transfer Jack Karasinski put together a shooting performance to remember in the Wildcats’ 86-60 season-opening victory over Binghamton.
Karasinski led all players with 24 points, knocking down a career-high seven three-pointers in his first game wearing purple and white. The 6-foot-7 forward provided Northwestern with exactly the kind of outside shooting it hopes will become a major part of its offense this season.
After two difficult exhibition performances, the Wildcats needed a strong start to the regular season. Karasinski helped provide that spark, showing how quickly he can become an important piece of head coach Chris Collins’ new-look roster.
Karasinski arrived in Evanston after spending the previous two seasons at Bellarmine. He was one of the most productive scorers in the transfer portal, averaging 21.7 points and 4.7 rebounds per game last season while shooting 56.1% from the field and 41.5% from beyond the arc. He earned First Team All-ASUN honors after leading the conference in scoring.
Before Bellarmine, Karasinski began his collegiate career at William & Mary, giving him four years of college basketball experience before joining Northwestern as a graduate transfer.
The Grand Rapids, Michigan, native was brought in to provide an experienced scoring option, and his season debut offered an early glimpse of what he can bring to the Wildcats.
His seven three-pointers were particularly impressive. Karasinski knocked down shots from the perimeter throughout the night, forcing Binghamton’s defense to account for him beyond the arc.
That outside threat can create more room for Northwestern’s guards to attack the basket and open opportunities for teammates inside.
Northwestern also showed that its offense can feature multiple scoring options. Sophomore guard Jake West finished with 20 points and 12 assists, while junior Angelo Ciaravino recorded 13 points and 10 rebounds. Graduate transfer LA Pratt added 19 points, giving the Wildcats four players who reached double figures.
Karasinski’s shooting could become especially valuable as Northwestern moves into a challenging Big Ten schedule.
The Wildcats will need consistent perimeter production to complement their inside game and prevent opposing defenses from focusing too heavily on their guards and frontcourt players.
Of course, one game does not guarantee that Karasinski will continue shooting at this level throughout the season. However, his performance provides plenty of encouragement after the Wildcats struggled offensively in their two exhibition games.
Northwestern has several new players still working to develop chemistry, and having an experienced scorer who can stretch the floor gives Collins another valuable option.
If Karasinski can consistently knock down outside shots and provide the same offensive confidence he showed against Binghamton, he could become one of the Wildcats’ most important contributors.
The Wildcats will look to build on their season-opening victory Friday when they host Stony Brook at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Karasinski will have another opportunity to show that his impressive debut was just the beginning of what he can bring to Northwestern this season.