Photo by: Ryan Kuttler/Northwestern Athletics
BROOKLYN - After a decorated college career, Northwestern guard Brooks Barnhizer (2021-25) has been selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder with the 44th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
A Swiss-Army Knife player, Barnhizer played an integral role in Northwestern making back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances for the first time in program history in 2023 and 2024. He is one of 42 players in program history to exceed the 1,000 point mark.
The Champions get a Winner ??@BrooksBarnhizer is going to OKC. pic.twitter.com/wzdyTCwMA5
— Northwestern Basketball (@NUMensBball) June 27, 2025
Barnhizer's two-way talent and versatility led him to become a coveted NBA prospect. During the 2023-24 season, the Lafayette, Ind., native was named to the All-Big Ten Third Team and Big Ten All-Defense Team. During that season, he registered 10 double-doubles, the most in a campaign by a Northwestern player since the 1998-99 season. His motor was also on full display, pulling down 225 rebounds, the most by a Wildcat since the 1998-99 season.
During the NCAA Tournament first round tilt with Florida Atlantic in 2024, Barnhizer drove into the lane and sank a game-tying layup with eight seconds remaining to send the game to overtime. Northwestern went on to win the contest 77-65.
Barnhizer's senior campaign ended prematurely due to a foot injury, but he was still named an All-Big Ten honorable mention selection. After his final game of the season, Barnhizer posted season averages of 17.1 points (8th in Big Ten, rankings as of Jan. 29), 8.8 rebounds (4th), 4.2 assists (10th), 2.3 steals (2nd), 1.1 blocks (4th) and 36:56 minutes (2nd) per game.
Through his 17 games played during the season, Barnhizer posted nine double-doubles, which led the Big Ten and ranked ninth nationally at the time of his final game in late January. He also set what is believed to be the program's record for consecutive double-doubles with seven straight, a first by a Big Ten guard in at least 30 seasons. He logged eight games of 20+ points and 10+ rebounds, the most by a Big Ten player last season.
Barnhizer recorded 21 career double-doubles, which ranks tied for second in school history since 1996-97, and the most by a guard.
Barnhizer is the first Wildcat to be selected in the NBA Draft since 1999 when Evan Eschmeyer was selected with the 34th pick by the New Jersey Nets.