Chris Collins adds a 7-footer to the roster.
Two down.
Stony Brook forward Keenan Fitzmorris announced his decision to transfer to Northwestern on Sunday afternoon. The graduate student’s decision comes six days after Fairfield’s Jalen Leach shared his decision to play in Evanston.
The Stony Brook transfer reportedly recieved interest from schools like Miami, South Carolina, Missouri, Louisville and DePaul before opting to join Chris Collins in Evanston.
Fitzmorris spent four years at Stanford, where he redshirted his freshman and junior seasons before heading to Stony Brook. Playing his last two seasons with the Seawolves, he developed as a scorer and rebounder. Averaging 10.9 points and 4.4 rebounds per game last season, the 7-footer brings size and offensive versatility to Northwestern’s frontcourt.
Doing most of his best work in the paint, Fitzmorris excels as a finisher inside. He works well with his back to the basket, as well as on rolls to the rim where he’s unafraid to finish with two-hand jams. Paired with a fluid arsenal of post moves, his ability to finish with both hands in tight quarters makes him a capable inside scorer.
Fitzmorris also has a legitimate jump shot which will help spread the floor for Chris Collins’ squad. Over the last two seasons, he’s attempted 59 three-pointers, hitting the deep ball at a 30.5% clip during that span. He’s also a capable mid-range shooter, able to get out of the post, comfortably operating away from the basket.
Defensively, Fitzmorris’ length makes him impact opposing offenses. With the seventh most blocks in the CAA last season — averaging 1.1 blocks per game — his stature makes Northwestern’s defense imposing alongside defensive stalwarts like Brooks Barnhizer and Matthew Nicholson.
As the ‘Cats continue to add pieces in the transfer portal, expect Northwestern to target a true point guard to fill the playmaking void Boo Buie’s absence leaves the squad. For now however, Fitzmorris’ blend of size and natural offensive feel paired with his shot-blocking abilities bolsters Northwestern’s frontcourt alongside Nicholson and Luke Hunger.