In the 2026 NBA Draft, Northwestern's Nick Martinelli was selected by the Los Angeles Clippers as the No. 55 pick. This marks a milestone for Northwestern with consecutive draft selections for the first time in the modern two-round draft era. Martinelli, a standout scorer and two-time Big Ten scoring champion, averaged 23.0 points per game in his senior year, breaking school records along the way. His impressive performance established him as one of the top shooters in the conference's history.

By the Numbers
  • 23.0 points per game average in senior year.
  • 759 total points in the 2025-26 season, breaking his own single-season scoring record.
  • 1,786 career points, ranking sixth in Northwestern history.
State of Play
  • Martilelli is the second Wildcat to be drafted in two years, following Brooks Barnhizer's 44th pick in 2025.
  • He鈥檚 one of only three players in Northwestern history to participate in four NCAA Tournament games.
What's Next

As Martinelli joins the Clippers, expectations are high for his adjustment to the NBA, where his shooting skills and scoring ability could prove significant. Analysts will be watching how he integrates with the team and utilizes his offensive skillset in professional play.

Bottom Line

Martinelli's selection reflects a growing trend of talent emerging from Northwestern, showcasing his potential impact on the Clippers and the NBA. His success elevates the program's profile and underscores the importance of nurturing scoring talent in college basketball.