Men’s Basketball

Less than a month after he was named assistant coach at Penn State, Talor Battle is joining Chris Collins’ staff in Evanston. 

Battle, the top scorer in Nittany Lions program history, was announced as Northwestern’s newest assistant coach Monday afternoon.

“With this role brings a new atmosphere, culture and family that I’m already proud to be a part of,” Battle said. “I am fired up about the vision and direction Coach Collins has for this program.”

In early April, assistant coach Emanuel Dildy departed the Wildcats to join Porter Moser at Oklahoma. Now, Collins has his replacement in Battle — the half-brother of junior guard Boo Buie.

Battle’s arrival in Evanston comes amid an offseason of departures for the Wildcats. After Dildy’s move to the Sooners, forward Miller Kopp and guard Anthony Gaines transferred to Indiana and Siena, respectively. Battle will partner with Collins and assistant coaches Brian James and Jon Borovich as NU comes off its fourth straight losing season since making the NCAA Tournament for the first time ever in 2017.

During his college career, Battle made a mark in the Penn State record books. In addition to scoring 2,213 points, he finished second in career field goals, third in career 3-point field goals, fourth in career assists and fourth in career free throws. Battle also holds the Big Ten record for career starts (131) and career minutes played (4,799).

Battle also helped the Nittany Lions win the National Invitational Tournament title in 2009 and was a part of the 2011 Penn State squad that made a run to the Big Ten Tournament title game and an appearance in the NCAA Tournament — the program’s first in a decade.

Following a seven-year career overseas, the Albany native became an assistant coach at his alma mater under head coach Patrick Chambers, who resigned in October 2020 following a university investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct. He stayed on staff for the 2020-21 season with interim coach Jim Ferry and took on a new role when Shrewsberry — an previously an assistant coach at Purdue — was hired before leaving for the Cats.  

With NU, Battle will reunite with Buie, who averaged 10.5 points and four assists in 23 games last season. Buie is one of the best returning players for an NU squad that finished 9-15 during the 2020-21 campaign.

“We’re excited to welcome (Battle) to the program,” Collins said. “His track record as an elite player in this league makes him an incredible mentor for our players, and an obviously compelling recruiter. He has a great knowledge of the game and an undeniable passion for coaching that will be great additions to the staff.” 

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Twitter: @dschott328

Related Stories: 

— Men’s Basketball: NU assistant coach Emanuel Dildy to join Oklahoma in same role

— Men’s Basketball: Freshman guard Boo Buie is for real and scary