Peak Performance: Noah Pagotto
Peak Performance is a new film breakdown series examining standout performances from Northern Kentucky's incoming transfers. The goal isn't necessarily to find the player's highest-scoring game, but rather a performance that best illustrates how they can impact the Norse and what fans should expect when they arrive in Highland Heights.
This first episode is free for everyone to enjoy, but future editions of Peak Performance will be exclusive to paid Norse Illustrated members. If you enjoy this kind of in-depth film breakdown and want to support independent NKU basketball coverage, consider becoming a paid subscriber!
For the first installment, we're looking at Noah Pagotto's performance against Incarnate Word on February 22, 2025. While it came in a matchup between two teams near the bottom of the Southland Conference standings, the game offers a strong glimpse into the skill set that helped make Pagotto one of Northern Kentucky's most intriguing offseason additions.
East Texas A&M entered the afternoon fighting to keep its conference tournament hopes alive. The Lions and Cardinals were battling for position in a crowded race near the bottom of the standings, and with only a few games remaining in the regular season, every possession carried extra weight. Incarnate Word ultimately pulled away late for an 82-73 victory, scoring the game's final nine points after the teams were tied at 73 with under two minutes remaining.
Despite the loss, Pagotto delivered one of the best performances of his season. The Australian forward tied his career high with 26 points while shooting an efficient 11-for-14 from the field. He also tied a career high with six offensive rebounds, repeatedly creating second-chance opportunities and keeping possessions alive for the Lions.
What makes this game particularly interesting for NKU fans is not just the production, but how the production came. Pagotto wasn't hunting shots or forcing the action. Instead, he consistently found openings within the flow of the offense, capitalized on defensive mistakes, and converted high-percentage opportunities around the basket.
That approach stood out to East Texas A&M head coach Jarrett Von Rosenberg after the game.
"He's learning where his spots are. He doesn't force anything. Takes what the defense gives him. That's a sign of a really mature college basketball player."
Those comments may be the most telling takeaway from the entire performance. When coaches talk about mature offensive players, they are often referring to decision-making, shot selection, and understanding spacing. Pagotto's stat line was impressive, but the process behind it may be even more encouraging.
Against a Cardinals team that received 33 points from Taj Staveskie, Pagotto was the steady offensive force that gave East Texas A&M a chance to pull off an important conference win. Every time the Lions needed a basket to stay within striking distance, Pagotto seemed to find a way to generate an efficient scoring opportunity or create an extra possession on the glass.
For Northern Kentucky fans, this game serves as a strong introduction to what Pagotto could bring to Highland Heights. The numbers jump off the page, but the film reveals even more. His offensive rebounding instincts, patience, positioning, touch around the rim, and willingness to let the game come to him are all traits that translate regardless of level.
Now let's dive into the film and break down exactly how Pagotto produced one of the most efficient performances of his college career.
