Coach Horn and company have created a clear Down Under pipeline and they’re using it to their advantage. This time, landing 6’7″ forward Noah Pagotto, a Wollongong, Australia native. He spent last year at East Texas A&M, where he averaged 10.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1 assist, 0.9 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game. Pagotto turned the ball over at a 12.8% rate, which is a promising sign for a big man, and committed 3 fouls per game. For eligibility purposes, he will have 1 year remaining. He spent his first two seasons at West Texas A&M (Division II).
What to Expect on the Court:
Pagotto was a secondary scorer for East Texas A&M last year, posting a usage rate of 17.6%. He played 26 minutes per game, and was extremely efficient (offensive rating of 119.6). He can score from all three levels, shooting 38% from deep (47 attempts), 61% from inside the arc (167 attempts), and 77% from the FT line (78 attempts). Drawing fouls is also a relative strength for the big man, doing so just above the national average. On defense, he’s a threat to block shots, as well as a good defensive rebounder. On top of that, he is disruptive at times with his 0.9 steals per game. Overall, this is more of an offensive and rebounding addition for the Norse, but one that fits a large need, especially with Will Shortt being more of a defensive addition.
Overall, Noah brings a new element to this NKU team on the wing. He’ll be able to stretch the floor on offense, grab rebounds, and play solid defense. I expect Noah to slide into the starting lineup for the Norse next year.
Player Comparison
While these player comparisons might not be household names to everyone, they offer the best statistical and stylistic blueprint for Pagotto’s game. People seem to enjoy having extra blueprints for what his game might look like, so I will continue to provide. For Pagotto’s comp I’m going with Liberty wing Shiloh Robinson. Both are utilized at the same rate and make the most of their chances. Robinson was also an extremely versatile piece who does all of the “glue guy” types of things, which is where Noah will likely fit in for NKU this year. He’ll be asked to be a plus defender, a good rebounder, and stretch the floor with his scoring. NKU needed a guy just like Noah to fit into the squad this year.
Current Roster
- Ethan Elliott – Senior
- Donovan Rakotonanahary – RS Sophomore
- Bryce Darbyshire – RS Junior
- Ryan Tolliver – Sophomore
- JJ Apathjang – RS Freshman
- Juanma Ruiz – RS Freshman
- Willie Foster – Freshman
- Will Shortt – Junior, transfer from Niagara
- Eric Acker – Senior, transfer from La Salle
- Noah Pagotto – Senior, transfer from East Texas A&M
I had mentioned in Eric Acker’s piece that I expected NKU to add another scoring threat, as well as a frontcourt piece this offseason. Noah can really fit both of those roles nicely. I’ll be providing a more thorough breakdown of the roster this week to further evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the incoming Norse class!
