Practice Notebook: Inside NKU Preseason
One of the most interesting parts of preseason practice is that you're never watching a finished product. Coaches are running shooting drills, teaching defensive concepts, installing the foundation of the offense, and building the habits that will define the team over the next several months. Nobody has a firmly established role yet, and everything is subject to change. But even this early, you can begin to see players carving out the roles they may eventually fill once November arrives.
After attending a couple of Northern Kentucky preseason practices, here are some of my early observations. These aren't sweeping conclusions drawn from just a handful of workouts, but they do offer a glimpse into what's beginning to take shape for the 2026-27 NKU Norse.
Building One Voice
One thing that immediately stood out had nothing to do with shooting or athleticism.
During one defensive sequence, a player called out, "I'm good, I'm here," instead of using the team's preferred terminology of simply yelling, "Switch." It wasn't necessarily that the defensive play was wrong. The correction wasn't about effort or positioning, but about everyone speaking the same basketball language.
That's one of the subtle goals of preseason. It's not just about learning plays or improving conditioning, it's about creating consistency in communication so every player reacts to the same words without hesitation. Those little details can be the difference between a clean defensive possession and giving up an open three. It may seem minor in July, but establishing those habits now helps build the foundation for when the games begin.
Ryan Tolliver's Role Continues to Expand
Sophomore Ryan Tolliver has been one of the more intriguing players to watch.
Rather than being locked into one position, Tolliver spent time all over the floor, looking very similar to the versatile role Trey Robinson filled for previous NKU teams. He moved between the wing and the frontcourt, giving the offense flexibility depending on the lineup around him.
Perhaps most encouraging was his willingness to shoot. Tolliver wasn't hesitating from the perimeter, and he knocked down a number of outside shots during the practices I attended. If that confidence carries into the season, it could open another dimension to his game after showing flashes as a freshman.
Eric Acker Looks Comfortable Creating Offense
Transfer guard Eric Acker immediately catches your attention because of how smoothly he moves.
While he isn't the biggest guard on the floor, he has the type of offensive confidence that reminds me of Dan Gherezgher. Not necessarily because they play identically, but because both have the ability to create enough separation to get their shot off whenever they want.
The biggest question for Acker probably won't be whether he can generate looks. It's whether he can consistently convert them efficiently. If he does, he certainly looks capable of becoming a consistent scoring option.
Willie Foster's Athleticism Pops
Freshman Willie Foster might have produced the most memorable play I saw.
During one transition opportunity, Foster exploded down the floor and finished an emphatic dunk over Noah Pagotto.
The athleticism is obvious.
Just as noticeable was how demanding the coaching staff has been with him. They appear intent on pushing him to become an impact player because of those physical gifts. To his credit, Foster has responded well. He looks highly coachable and receptive to instruction, which is exactly what coaches want to see from a freshman with significant upside.
Rakotonanahary's Athleticism Stands Out, Elliott Looks Stronger
Donovan Rakotonanahary continues to look like one of the best athletes on the roster.
One play that stood out featured him finishing through heavy traffic around the rim, showcasing the combination of length, body control, and explosiveness that has always made him intriguing.
The athletic tools have never been the question. The next step is continuing to put all of those pieces together consistently. If that happens, he has the ability to become a major contributor this season.
Another player whose physical development caught my eye was Ethan Elliott. Entering his sophomore season, Elliott appears to have added noticeable strength and carries a much more solid build than he did a year ago. He still moves well, but looks better equipped to handle the physicality that comes with playing point guard at the Division I level.
Photo Provided by NKU Athletics
A Jumbo Lineup Could Be Coming
One of the more interesting experiments the Norse have worked on involved an oversized lineup.
At one point, Northern Kentucky rolled out a group consisting of Ryan Tolliver, BJ Davis-Ray, Will Shortt, Noah Pagotto, and either Ethan Elliott or Eric Acker handling point guard duties.
It was an intriguing combination of length and versatility.
With four players between 6-foot-7 and 6-foot-9 surrounding a true point guard, the lineup has the potential to overwhelm opponents physically while still maintaining enough ball handling to function offensively. Whether it becomes a regular part of the rotation remains to be seen, but it's clearly something the coaching staff has explored early in camp.
Final Thoughts
It's still early. Rotations will change, roles will evolve, and players will continue developing over the coming months.
Still, a few themes have already emerged.
The coaching staff is demanding precision in communication. Ryan Tolliver could be poised for a versatile role. Eric Acker has shown the shot-making instincts that made him an attractive transfer addition. Willie Foster's athletic ceiling is undeniable, and Donovan Rakotonanahary continues to flash the physical tools that make him such an intriguing player.
Perhaps most interestingly, Northern Kentucky doesn't appear afraid to get creative with its lineups.
That's exactly what preseason is for. Experiment now, discover what works, and be ready when the games begin.
