Northern Kentucky has secured a commitment from Will Shortt, a 6’8″, 215-pound sophomore transfer from Niagara. Shortt averaged 6.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 0.6 assists in 19.4 minutes per game last season.
What to Expect on the Court
Shortt is a traditional interior threat who almost never ventures beyond the arc, recording only three 3-point attempts all last season. While he showed significant development between his freshman and sophomore years at Niagara, making the jump to the Horizon League with NKU represents a slight step up in competition.
Strengths and Areas for Growth:
- Efficiency Inside: His 61% shooting mark from 2-point range is very impressive and suggests he can be a reliable finisher near the rim.
- Defensive Presence: With 26 blocked shots, Shortt provides a much-needed defensive boost on the wing—an area where the Norse lost significant production this past year.
- Free Throw Struggles: His 17-of-39 (43.6%) clip from the charity stripe is a point of concern, though his low volume of attempts means it may not drastically swing every game.
- Rebounding: His ability to track missed shots is solid, and his size allows him to be a disruptive presence on the glass. He shows potential to become a good rebounder.
The Bottom Line: Will brings a physical presence to the wing that the Norse roster currently lacks. While he likely won’t be asked to shoulder a heavy offensive load immediately, his efficiency inside and shot-blocking ability make him a valuable addition to the rotation.
Player Comparison:
When I provide player comparisons, my goal is to highlight a “ceiling” or “best-fit” role based on how the coaching staff might utilize a new addition. While I’m analyzing from the outside, I try to look at the roster through the lens of a scout identifying specific needs.
For Will Shortt, the most natural comparison for Norse fans is Chris Brandon.
Much like Brandon, Shortt is a high-motor “glue guy” who doesn’t need to stretch the floor to change the game. He thrives on doing the “dirty work”—protecting the rim, crashing the glass, and providing a physical interior presence that was missing last season. If he embraces that high-energy, defensive-anchor role, he could easily become the same kind of fan favorite and tactical asset Brandon was during his time in Highland Heights.
