As the only freshman on Northwestern’s men’s basketball team, JerShon Cobb is in a league of his own. The Atlanta native was the only player to commit to Northwestern in the 2010 class. He is also one of the highest-rated recruits to ever play for the Wildcats, ranked four stars on Rivals.com. With the signing of such a high-profile player, expectations have risen and this year should be Northwestern’s best chance to make the NCAA tournament for the first time. Ever.
Just like Michael Jordan led his team to the championship, Cobb is expected to help lead the Wildcats to the tournament, and ironically sports the number 23 as well. Luckily for us, the charismatic freshman, who last year averaged 23.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game in high school, is confident and ready to play.
Assistant Coach Tavaras Hardy, who is one of the main reasons Cobb is at Northwestern, said that Cobb has “actually exceeded expectations.” According to Hardy, “he’s much further ahead mentally than I thought he would be. I knew he was talented. But to be able to play right away at this level, there’s a certain mental aspect that goes into it. He has it, so he’s going to be able to help us out right away.”
North by Northwestern sat down with the 6’5” combo guard in order to get his take on his basketball journey so far.
How was the recruiting process for you? Was it ever overwhelming? How hard was it for you to make your decision to come to Northwestern?
It got to a point where it was overwhelming and that’s why I wanted to commit early. I was tired of the phone calls.
How does it feel to be the only freshman on the team?
It has its ups and downs and it can get kind of lonely, but I like it.
How do you feel about the school’s expectations for you? Specifically, to make an immediate impact as a freshman?
That’s why I came here, because I wanted to do that too.
What’s your biggest goal for the team this year?
Our biggest goal is to make the tournament and not only make it, but go far in it.
Does the fact that NU has never made it to the tourney make you nervous? How does it affect you?
It makes me want to make history.