Reggie Hearn’s path to the starting lineup was, to borrow a word he used to describe his own personality, “goofy.”
The junior guard was a walk-on for the last two seasons before finally earning a scholarship this year.
“I wouldn’t say there was any doubt (I could play at this level),” Hearn said. “It was just about continuing to work hard and taking advantage of my opportunity when it came.”
Still, getting a scholarship did not guarantee he would earn his first career start in Northwestern’s season opener against Texas Pan-American on Nov. 13. What helped Hearn that night was nagging injuries to junior guard Alex Marcotullio and junior forward Drew Crawford, both of whom did not start against the Broncs.
Hearn has started all 20 games this season for NU and to the naked eye, he is making the most out of his chance. However, this self-proclaimed perfectionist sees it otherwise.
“I’ve kept the starting position,” Hearn said. “But I feel like there are a lot more things I can do to help the team win. I’m still trying to come into my own and find my role on the team.”
Through the trials and tribulations of being a walk-on the last two seasons, Hearn said his relationship with his teammates has not changed. He said the team treats walk-ons and scholarship players the same, which helps the team bond.
The junior is proving the score sheet does not tell the entire story of a game. Hearn averages six points and 3.4 rebounds per game, but his contributions to the team go far beyond the box score. Against Purdue on Saturday, Hearn took two charges and grabbed three offensive boards, helping to keep the ball in the Cats’ hands.
These little things do not go unnoticed by his teammates. Senior forward John Shurna said the Cats draw a huge spark from Hearn’s play, especially the charges against Purdue that drew chants of “Reggie! Reggie!” from the crowd at Welsh-Ryan Arena.
“Reggie was great for us (on Saturday) on defense and on offense during those last couple of plays,” Shurna said. “Those are those little plays we’re talking about (to win close games). Those two charges are big momentum swingers and help keep us in the game.”
The aggression Hearn shows on the court is the opposite of the man off the court. When not playing basketball, Hearn said he likes to have fun. He said basketball is fun, but come game day he focuses more on what he needs to do for the team to win and becomes less talkative.
“He seems like a serious, uptight guy, but he’s really funny and he’s really nice to be around and a little weird at times (off the court),” senior center Davide Curletti said. “(On the court he is) aggressive, plays hard, leads by example instead of vocally and you can tell he gives it his hardest.”
Coach Bill Carmody has said on multiple occasions that Hearn does not get the credit he deserves for his play. In NU’s upset of then-No. 6 Michigan State, Hearn dumped in 10 points while collecting five rebounds, including two on the offensive end.
Those stats were overshadowed by Shurna’s 22-point performance as well as the breakout game by Curletti, who added 17. However, Hearn said he is just fine sitting outside the spotlight if it means his team can continue winning.
“Everybody likes the spotlight,” Hearn said. “I don’t think it necessarily is about the spotlight. Johnny and Drew are the scorers and I’m just here to do whatever I can to help the team no matter what that involves.”
Hearn’s hard work has been noticed by the teammates and made him a well-liked character in the locker room. Shurna said Hearn has put in the work to get where he is now and he brings a lot to the team both on and off the court.
“We all think the world of Reggie,” Shurna said. “He’s worked extremely hard to get where he is, and he deserves all the credit in the world. He’s a phenomenal player and a really great person, which makes it a lot of fun to play with him.”
