MBB RECRUITING: Chase Audige Commits to Northwestern
By Kevin Sweeney
After casting a wide net in the transfer portal, Chris Collins and the Northwestern men’s basketball staff caught their first fish of the cycle.
William & Mary transfer Chase Audige announced Thursday on Twitter that he had committed to Northwestern. The 6-4 guard from New York departed W&M following the firing of head coach Tony Shaver in March. He’ll likely have to a sit a year in accordance with NCAA transfer regulations before having three years of eligibility with the ‘Cats.
Audige flew under the radar out of The Hill School, ranking as a two-star prospect and receiving offers from mid-major programs across the northeast. However, he turned plenty of heads in Williamsburg, averaging 9.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game in his freshman campaign en route to being named to the CAA All-Rookie Team. Audige shot the ball well at 37% from downtown, and also made an impact defensively with 44 steals and 17 blocks.
Jackson Hoy, an NBA Draft analyst for The Stepien, wrote this regarding Audige in a Twitter thread in April:
High D intensity, great feel, high-level athlete, legit skill game. Should have high majors all over him as a transfer. I’d bet on him being a draft pick one day.
My favorite thing about him is that he doesn’t need to score to make an impact. He’s making plays in passing lanes, blocking shots, pressuring the ball, making smart passes, and flying around the court with energy. Rare you find a guy with those traits + his skill package.
Meanwhile, Jeff Goodman of Stadium ranked Audige as the 29th-best sit-out transfer on the market in late April. He included this quote from an anonymous coach:
“Long, athletic and can really guard. Really improved his jump shot from high school. Love his upside.”
The addition of Audige leaves Northwestern with three scholarships available for the 2019-20 season. His addition speaks to Collins’ continued desire to add talented guards to the mix for the long term after his team struggled offensively this season, particularly in getting to the paint. Both Audige and 2020 commit Joe Bamisile, while not point guards, are excellent athletes who can get to the basket.
Here is Northwestern’s updated scholarship chart:
