Chris Collins’ former Northwestern star is making Summer League history with Oklahoma City

When the reigning NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder selected him in the second round June 26, Brooks Barnhizer made Northwestern basketball history as the first Wildcat to be drafted since 1999.

Less than three weeks later, he’s making history as the first player ever to average over six steals in consecutive appearances in the NBA Summer League.

— Northwestern Basketball (@NUMensBball) July 13, 2025

Barnhizer and the Thunder are 2-0 so far. The guard recorded six points, seven rebounds and seven steals as the Thunder beat the Nets July 10, 90-81. In a pseudo-championship rematch Saturday, Oklahoma City beat Indiana 104-85, with Barnhizer adding 17 points, five rebounds and six steals. 

Thirteen steals, with only three fouls.

On a two-way contract with Oklahoma City, the former Northwestern star’s 6.5 steals per game lead the Summer League. He currently averages two more steals than Golden State’s Alex Toohey (4.5), though Toohey was sidelined in the Warriors’ first two games and has only played in one contest so far. 

It’s a big improvement from his stealing performance last season as a Wildcat, averaging 2.3 per game. Barnhizer’s point production over two Summer League matches is inconsistent, but he maintained a 17.1 average at Northwestern, so it’s likely he’s just finding his footing on a new stage. 

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Luckily for Barnhizer, the Thunder don’t seem to have any issues making baskets. 

Against the Nets, Oklahoma City relied on guards Ajay Mitchell (20 points) and Chris Youngblood (19 points), as well as forward Nikola Topic (18 points). In the Pacers match, Youngblood (21 points), Barnhizer and Jazian Gortman (17 points each), Malevy Leons (16 points) and Mitchell (13 points) all were key factors to a Thunder victory.

Oklahoma City will face the Orlando Magic Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. ET. The game can be streamed nationally on NBA TV and FanDuel Sports.