Sterling Williams soon could become more than a spectator at games.

The freshman guard, who hasn’t played a minute this season, may join the Wildcats’ rotation, coach Bill Carmody said Monday.

“If he can help us, he’s going to play,” Carmody said.

This week, Williams has started practicing with Northwestern’s starters. Still, Carmody said he hasn’t decided whether he’ll activate the 6-foot-4 guard.

“I’ve seen over the years that some guys when they have the white shirt on — the second-team shirt — are All-Americans,” Carmody said. “When they put that first-team shirt on, they really change because you’re not under the same scrutiny that you are when you’re on the (second) team.”

Williams, an All-Chicago Public League player last season at Whitney Young High School, said he’s discussed redshirting with the coaching staff, but the group hasn’t reached a consensus.

“Personally, I would like to do what’s best for the team,” Williams said. “If it’s better for me to play this year and come in and contribute a little bit and help us win, then I’d like to do that. But if not, maybe redshirting would be better for me.”

Freshman guard Gary Lee also hasn’t played this season, but Carmody declined to say whether he will redshirt.

“Let me hold off on that one,” Carmody said. “Let me hold off on Gary.”

Twin towers

Carmody experimented by playing Vince Scott and Mike Thompson at the same time against Michigan State — a strategy he may continue.

The 6-foot-10 Scott replaced senior forward Davor Duvancic, who missed the game with the flu. He played a season-high 16 minutes and scored six points.

“If there’s not too much pressure, then Vince can handle it out there,” Carmody said. “But if he has to dribble, that’s hard if they put a lot of heat on him.”

Masked man

Since Mike Thompson elbowed Brandon Lee in the face during a mid-December practice, the freshman guard has struggled in practice, Carmody said.

“He broke the bone, and he really hasn’t come back from it,” Carmody said. “Those other guys are playing better than he is.”

Lee averaged 11.8 minutes in the season’s first six games, but has played just four in the Cats’ last two. He now wears a protective mask over his eyes and nose.

Break out the purple pom-poms

The Cats have scheduled a pep rally before Saturday’s game against No. 1 Illinois at Welsh-Arena Arena. It begins at 1:15 p.m. and will include free food for students. This marks NU’s first of two meetings with Illinois this season.

Former player Jitim Young, NU’s sixth-leading all-time scorer, is expected to attend.

The DAILY’s Zach Silka contributed to this report.

Reach Brian Sumers at [email protected].