When Northern Illinois University basketball coaches hit the recruiting trail this fall, they had a plan. Honorable Mention All Americans, and men's coach Brian Hammel found himself in the hunt for athletes that in the past were wooed away by the promise of better facilities elsewhere, and nailed down a verbal commitment from one of his top choices. Details on those recruits cannot be released until later this month. Sure, it's exciting for youngsters to come in and help rebuild a program, but the new arena was frosting on the cake.
Players look at the drawings of the court and they can just picture themselves out there.
Men's coach Brian Hammel also noticed an immediate difference in how potential recruits reacted. It has been one of the biggest reasons that players choose another school over Northern. In addition to helping attract better talent to campus, the facility will allow coaches to provide better instruction, both coaches said. It even includes an auxiliary gymnasium, meaning full-scale workouts can continue even when the main floor is set up for a volleyball game or other events. All of that space will be put to good use, as the building will be home not only to both basketball programs, but also volleyball, wrestling, gymnastics and women's indoor track.