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Northern Star

Northern Illinois University’s student media since 1899

 

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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

NIU Athletic Director Sean Frazier (left) and head football coach Thomas Hammock (right) speak after NIU wins the MAC Championship on Dec. 4.

COLUMN: Reflection time in Detroit

By James Krause | December 8, 2021

Everyone wanted to congratulate head coach Thomas Hammock after his Huskies won the Mid-American Conference championship Saturday in Detroit.  One interaction stood out to him: a “moment of reflection” with his grandmother on the field. “My...

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball passes the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Friday, Nov. 26, 2021.

Future stars forging path in NBA

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter | December 7, 2021

New upcoming talent joins the NBA every year, bringing excitement to the game. Players such as Charlotte Hornets guard Lamelo Ball, Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony...

New LSU football coach Brian Kelly gestures to fans after his arrival at Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport, Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021, in Baton Rouge, La. Kelly, formerly of Notre Dame, is said to have agreed to a 10-year contract with LSU worth $95 million plus incentives.

Abrupt coaching changes damage college football

By Waleed Alamieh, Sports Columnist | December 6, 2021

The coaching carousel in the final weeks of the 2021 college football season may go down as some of the all-time biggest moves in the history of college sports.  University of Southern California head coach Lincoln Riley and Louisiana State University...

A basketball sits on the court of a large stadium.

Puma’s deal with a high school phenom and what it could mean for the future

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter | December 2, 2021

Five-star recruit Mikey Williams signed a multi-year deal with Puma on Oct. 29, becoming the first high school student athlete in America to sign a shoe deal. Williams, a 6-foot-2 junior from San Diego, currently attends school and plays basketball...

The scene pre-game on the United Center court.

Pippen doesn’t understand Jordan’s legacy

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter | December 1, 2021

Scottie Pippen, a six-time NBA champion and Hall of Famer, released his memoir “Unguarded” on Nov. 9, addressing the Bulls Dynasty in the ‘90s and his journey to the NBA after ESPN dropped a documentary series called “The Last Dance” in 2020...

Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy walks onto the field before an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Chicago.

Bears’ Nagy continues to disappoint

By Waleed Alamieh, Sports Columnist | December 1, 2021

The Chicago Bears have been one of the most underwhelming teams over the past couple of seasons.  A lot of the Bears’ struggles stemmed from head coach Matt Nagy. Hired back in 2018 after the team parted ways with John Fox, Nagy was meant to be...

Soccer ball flies through the net in the goal.

Red Stars season ends in title loss, controversy

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter | November 29, 2021

The Chicago Red Stars closed out their 2021 campaign as the league runner-up after losing to the Washington Spirits 2-1 in the National Women’s Soccer League Championship Nov. 20 in Louisville, Kentucky. The Red Stars began a promising playoff run...

Chicago Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan, left, and Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo reach for a rebound on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021. Through December, DeRozan is proving to be a valuable pickup for the Bulls.

DeRozan, Lavine: Best scoring duo

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter | November 29, 2021

This season, the Chicago Bulls All-Star combination of forward Demar DeRozan and guard Zach Lavine is the best scoring duo in the NBA. Initially, people were skeptical about DeRozan coming to the Bulls and playing alongside Lavine. ESPN staff writer...

Junior quarterback Rocky Lombardi throws a pass in the first half of NIU's 33-27 overtime victory over Buffalo on Nov. 17.

COLUMN: ‘The dip’ a key factor in NIU rebound

By James Krause | November 18, 2021

After answering a question at the post-game press conference Wednesday night following NIU’s win over the University at Buffalo Bulls, junior quarterback Rocky Lombardi shouts across the room to head coach Thomas Hammock. “We’re buying the dip,...

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Zay Jones (7) sits on the sidelines with his head in his hands during the second half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021, in Las Vegas.

Raiders in need of new leadership

By Davione Barrow, Sports Reporter | November 16, 2021

The Las Vegas Raiders have had numerous issues off the field this season, and things seem to continue spiraling.  The Raiders recently released cornerback Damon Arnette after he posted a viral video with a gun threatening to take someone’s life.  Arnette...

Columbus Crew's Josh Williams, front right, kicks the ball over Chicago Fire's Carlos Teran during the second half of an MLS soccer match Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio.

Fire FC finish disappointing season

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter | November 12, 2021

The Chicago Fire FC wrapped up their regular season with a 2-0 loss to the Columbus Crew Sunday. The matchup between the Eastern Conference rivals featured scores from Columbus midfielder Lucas Zelarayán and forward Miguel Berry, marking Chicago’s...

Philadelphia 76ers' Joel Embiid looks to shoot as Chicago Bulls' Nikola Vucevic (9) and Zach LaVine defend during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, in Chicago.

The over and underachievers of the NBA so far

By Davione Barrow, Sports Reporter | November 12, 2021

Some teams are raising eyebrows early in the NBA season, while other teams have underachieved thus far. A few teams that have been performing above expectation this season are the Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, and the Chicago Bulls. The...