As the NIU men’s basketball team advances further into its season, one of its newest players could prove to be one of its most valuable.

Senior forward Mike Hart – one of the Huskies’ new faces after walking-on to the team – provided athleticism down low and showed flashes of dominance in NIU’s 77-63 exhibition victory against Augustana.

Hart finished with 13 points on 5-for-7 shooting, adding six rebounds in just 15 minutes. Coach Ricardo Patton said Hart is making great strides on the court, but is still a work in progress.

“He’s gonna get better and better as he gets more games under his belt,” Patton said. “He’s gotta be a quick study. I think by January he’ll be ready to really help us.”

Hart said he feels more comfortable with each passing day, and was able to take advantage of the Vikings’ fronting style of defense by sealing his man to the outside.

“The guys were setting me up all night, and I made sure I converted,” Hart said. “They worked hard to get me the ball.”

Perhaps the only blemish on Hart’s evening was the five fouls he committed, fouling out with 7:03 remaining in the second half.

“I got a little too aggressive, a little excited,” Hart said. “I was a little hyped out there. I’m working on getting it solved, and I will.”

If Hart can indeed prove to be a force inside, and have the ability to draw double teams and leave teammates open on the perimeter, it will open up the entire Huskie offense.

“It’s very important to open up the outside,” Hart said. “We’ve got a long way to go. We’re still building toward the season.”