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Northwestern Men's Basketball Embarks on First Road Trip to Chicago for DePaul Clash

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, November 14th 2025 at 12:00 GMT by Sports Illustrated

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Northwestern Men’s Basketball Sets Out on First Road Trip to Face DePaul

Northwestern University’s men’s basketball team is gearing up for the first real test of its brand‑new season as it heads out of Evanston for a road trip to Chicago to play DePaul on a Sunday evening. The game, slated to take place at DePaul’s Wintrust Arena, will be the Wildcats’ inaugural away contest for the 2023‑24 campaign and marks the start of a series of road assignments designed to toughen the squad before conference play begins.

A Purpose‑Driven Trip

The trip is part of a carefully curated early‑season schedule that the coaching staff has said is “about building momentum and resilience.” The Wildcats will depart from the campus on Thursday afternoon, traveling by bus to Chicago. According to the athletic department, the team will arrive in the city Friday night, give the players a day of rest and practice, and then head to the arena on Saturday morning for a practice session with the DePaul team in the morning. The home game itself is slated for Saturday night, giving the team a chance to get a feel for the travel rhythm before the rest of the tour.

Coach Chris Collins, who took over the program in 2021, has been outspoken about the significance of a road trip early in the season. “We’re all excited to head out to Chicago, and the game against DePaul is going to be a big test for us,” Collins told reporters. “It’s a chance to see how we stack up against a strong opponent in a neutral‑sounding setting. The experience we gain from a game like this will carry over into our Big Ten schedule.”

The Opponent: DePaul’s Strong Showing

DePaul’s men's basketball team is a formidable opponent. The Blue Demons, led by head coach Bart Lundy, posted an impressive record during the previous season, finishing 23‑11 and securing a spot in the NCAA tournament. The DePaul squad is known for its aggressive defense and high‑intensity offense, making them a daunting task for the Wildcats. Player James Jones, who leads DePaul in scoring and was named to the Big East First Team last season, is expected to be a key offensive weapon for the Blue Demons. The Wildcats will be looking to contain him while keeping their own playmakers on the floor.

The game will be broadcast by the Big Ten Network, with local radio coverage available through the university’s station. Attendance expectations are high, with the Wintrust Arena boasting a capacity of nearly 12,000 fans. For Northwestern fans in the area, the game presents an opportunity to see their team in action away from the comfort of the Welsh‑Ryan Arena.

Player Preparation and Team Dynamics

The team’s roster for this game is still solidifying, but early indications suggest a balanced line‑up that leans heavily on the wing play of senior guard Zane “Ziggy” Smith, a sophomore forward, and a freshman guard who has already shown potential during preseason workouts. Coach Collins has emphasized the importance of depth, citing the need to keep the rotation tight and the players ready to adapt to various in‑game situations.

“Every player needs to be mentally and physically prepared for the rigors of the road,” Collins said. “We’re not just focusing on the game plan; we’re also focusing on the travel, the routines, the sleep schedules. It’s a lot to manage, and the players who handle it well tend to be the ones who excel in the long run.”

The team’s athletic trainer, Dr. Melissa Green, has prepared a comprehensive wellness plan for the trip. “We’re looking at nutrition, hydration, sleep, and recovery protocols,” Green explained. “We’re making sure every athlete is in peak condition to handle the day‑night schedule and the physical demands of an early‑season game.”

The Bigger Picture

While the DePaul game is a singular event, it’s a critical piece of Northwestern’s broader strategy for the season. The program is in the midst of a rebuilding phase, with Collins having inherited a team that had just finished the 2022‑23 season with a 10‑16 record. The goal for the upcoming season is to improve overall performance, increase team cohesion, and ultimately climb into the top tier of the Big Ten.

The schedule for the next week will see the Wildcats traveling to Illinois for a conference game, then returning to Chicago for a non‑conference matchup with the Illinois State Redbirds. This whirlwind of travel is designed to test the team’s stamina and ability to perform under pressure. If the Wildcats can hold their own against DePaul, it would bode well for the rest of the season.

Conclusion

Northwestern men’s basketball is about to embark on a pivotal journey to Chicago. The DePaul game on Saturday night is the team’s first test outside of Evanston, a chance to gauge the squad’s readiness, and a stepping stone toward the challenges that lie ahead in the Big Ten. With a solid coaching staff, a promising roster, and a clear focus on preparation, the Wildcats are set to make the most of this opportunity.

The game promises to be an exciting one for fans and a meaningful experience for the players. Whether they come away victorious or not, the experience will shape the team’s trajectory and set the tone for what promises to be a hard‑fought season. Catch the action on the Big Ten Network, and watch as Northwestern takes its first steps into the broader basketball landscape.