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After news reports came out that center Mike Thompson was suffering from an irregular heartbeat, the reports were followed up by the news today that Thompson was no longer a member of the basketball team.

Is his medical condition that serious? Did he quit because of it? Or was he kicked off? There's so little public information that it's hard to even speculate.

My thoughts are with Mike and I'm hopeful that his health condition is not serious if that is the case as has been reported. However, I think there's more to this than just a health problem.

The amount of playing time for Thompson has to have been disappointing for him. He has not fit into the style of play that Carmody likes. He's not the type of passing center that thrives in a Princeton-style offense.

Thompson also has not seemed happy on the bench this year. He doesn't partake in team huddles at times and has not looked enthused all year.

Thompson's career has been a disappointment. He came out of high school as a McDonald's All-American and now his college career is over. It's a shame.

But for the Northwestern program, it's time to move on. Vince Scott is the center now. Recruit Kevin Coble is the future in the middle.

Posted by Greg Shea at 02:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

Center Mike Thompson is out with an irregular heartbeat, the Pioneer Press reported.

Thompson has not played in four straight games. The condition is being taken seriously and could potentially threaten Thompson's career.

Our thoughts and prayers are with him.

Posted by Greg Shea at 03:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

An overtime win over Delaware State?

If you don't know a lot about Delaware State, realize they are the defending MEAC conference champions. They played Duke tough in the NCAA tournament last year as a 16 seed.

Yes, you'd love to have a blowout win at home, but winning a close game and getting back on track was important.

Also important to Saturday's game was the re-emergence of Mohammed Hachad, who shot 7-for-8 from the field and scored 17 points.

Carmody discussed Hachad in his typical style after the game.

"He's still doing stuff like he did as a freshman," Carmody said about Hachad's erratic style. "He drives you crazy."

But we'll take it on Saturday night. And we'll also take Craig Moore's continuous improvement. Moore had only three points, but six assists in 35 minutes. And, more imprtantly, no turnovers.

"He's a basketball player and he's inexperienced, but he's not afraid and he takes care of the ball," Carmody said.

We may criticize the Cats' recruiting at times out of frustration, but Moore is looking like a keeper.

NU returns after final exams for a game against UIC on Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. at Welsh-Ryan.

Posted by Greg Shea at 10:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)