Northwestern University Athletics
Photo by: Ryan Kuttler/Northwestern Athletics
Martinelli Named To Oscar Robertson Trophy Midseason Watch List
1/16/2026 1:33:00 PM | Men's Basketball
INDIANAPOLIS – Northwestern senior forward Nick Martinelli was named to the U.S. Basketball Writers Association 2025-26 Oscar Robertson Trophy Midseason Watch List as one of the 25 Division I players in the nation selected for the honor. The award has been handed to the country's top player since 1959, as selected by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association. The award is the oldest player-of-the-year award in college basketball.
Martinelli leads the nation in scoring, averaging 23.8 points per game, and places fifth in the conference in field goal percentage (57.3) and seventh in rebounding (6.6). He's scored in double-figures in 41 of his last 42 games and had a streak of 30-straight games, the longest by a Wildcat since Evan Eschmeyer (1997-99, 65). Martinelli has scored 20+ points in 33 games, the third most by a Wildcat since 2004. Further, Martinelli has scored 25+ points 18 times in his career, the most by a Wildcat in that period since John Shurna's (2008-12) 20.
Martinelli has scored 20+ points in eight straight games, tied for the fifth-longest streak by a Big Ten player since 1996-97.
Last season, he became the fourth Wildcat to lead the Big Ten in scoring, while setting the school's single-season scoring record (676 points).
The award will be announced at the 2026 Men's Final Four in Indianapolis, with the formal presentation to follow at the annual USBWA Awards Luncheon hosted by the Missouri Athletic Club in St. Louis.
Martinelli leads the nation in scoring, averaging 23.8 points per game, and places fifth in the conference in field goal percentage (57.3) and seventh in rebounding (6.6). He's scored in double-figures in 41 of his last 42 games and had a streak of 30-straight games, the longest by a Wildcat since Evan Eschmeyer (1997-99, 65). Martinelli has scored 20+ points in 33 games, the third most by a Wildcat since 2004. Further, Martinelli has scored 25+ points 18 times in his career, the most by a Wildcat in that period since John Shurna's (2008-12) 20.
National Recognition ??
— Northwestern Basketball (@NUMensBball) January 16, 2026
Nick Martinelli has been named to the Oscar Robertson Trophy Midseason Watch List. pic.twitter.com/MdNa00FlIF
Martinelli has scored 20+ points in eight straight games, tied for the fifth-longest streak by a Big Ten player since 1996-97.
Last season, he became the fourth Wildcat to lead the Big Ten in scoring, while setting the school's single-season scoring record (676 points).
The award will be announced at the 2026 Men's Final Four in Indianapolis, with the formal presentation to follow at the annual USBWA Awards Luncheon hosted by the Missouri Athletic Club in St. Louis.
Players Mentioned
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Men's Basketball - Collins, Martinelli Preview Illinois (1/13/26)
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Men's Basketball - Rutgers Postgame Press Conference (1/11/26)
Monday, January 12













