NU's Coble has much to be thankful for

The last player to join Northwestern's basketball team this season was the first to arrive at Monday's practice.

Well before any of his teammates emerged from the locker room, sophomore forward Kevin Coble swished baskets in the rear of the gym.

This simple, solitary act was one Coble had looked forward to for months, ever since he got the upsetting news that his mom had breast cancer.

"It's huge to finally get to this point," Coble said. "Once we decided that I was going to stay in Arizona, that became the magic number. To get that was really cool to know that things are going well."

Coble and his mom, Carlys, flew to Chicago on Friday, a day after Carlys underwent chemotherapy in Arizona. Her final treatment will occur Jan. 17 at Evanston Hospital, followed by six weeks of radiation.

But perhaps the best therapy for both mother and son comes tonight, as Kevin makes his season debut as Northwestern opens Big Ten play against Penn State at Welsh-Ryan Arena (8 p.m., ESPN2).

Kevin said Carlys is still recovering from last week's chemo, but she plans to attend the game.

"The emotional aspect will take care of itself," Kevin said. "Knowing that my momma's up here, knowing that there's only one more treatment left, that is just a huge weight off my shoulders."

Wildcats coach Bill Carmody hopes the emotions of having both Cobles in the arena helps his other players, who finished preconference play with 4 wins but have played just once since Dec. 8.

Once he knew Kevin would be leaving the team, Carmody adjusted the schedule to include two nonconference games during Big Ten play.

"When you have smart guys, that's what you have to get out of them -- emotion," Carmody said. "Sometimes they're a little too thoughtful. Once you step on that court, you have to combine those two things."

Carmody on Monday was unsure how much Coble will play tonight, but the coach didn't think the sophomore would take long to readjust despite not appearing in a game since March 8.

Last year NU needed Coble to be its primary scorer, but this season the team has consistently put up points and leads the Big Ten in 3-point shooting percentage (39.9).

Where Coble provides a more important lift is in the post. NU has been outrebounded by an average of 11.7 boards a game.

"I don't think being out for any length of time really affects your rebounding," said Coble, the team's top rebounder last season (5.2 rpg). "Guys can go out there, put a body on somebody and know where the ball's going to come off. I'm hoping that's something I can contribute right away."

Coble's midrange game and ability to create his own shot should work in an offense that has been less restrictive and more up-tempo with freshman Juice Thompson at point guard. Thompson and Coble played together last summer, but building synergy in games might take time.

"It'll be a lot of fun," said Thompson, who ranks second in the Big Ten in assists (5 apg). "His jump shot is looking really good. That's going to expand our offense."

Penn State (8-4) at Northwestern (5-4)

When: 8 p.m. at Welsh-Ryan Arena

TV: ESPN2

Radio: WGN 720-AM

The skinny: Penn State has a five-game winning streak entering Big Ten play, including 2 victories against teams that use the Princeton offense (Princeton and Denver). "Maybe it does help them," said Northwestern coach Bill Carmody. "But I don't think Coach (Ed) DeChellis needs that in his scouting report to know how to play us. He's fared pretty well." Penn State beat NU four straight times before the Wildcats broke though last year in Evanston. The Lions' zone defense usually flusters NU, but the Wildcats are off to their best 3-point shooting start under Carmody. "We're moving the ball and cutting much harder than we have, playing the way I like to see our guys play." Carmody said.

-- Adam Rittenberg