While a first round knockout to Middle Tennessee wasn’t exactly what was drawn up, the season was a definite step in the right direction. A semifinal finish in the Big Ten tournament and a seat on the NCAA’s biggest stage are two huge positives for a program on the rise.
A big hole will be left without question, with Akeem Springs graduating from the program. There are some likely and suitable candidates waiting in the wings to take over that shooting guard position though. Dupree McBrayer stepped up during the Big Ten tourney and Madness matchup with Middle Tenn. While his three-point numbers weren’t quite as comparable to the senior, he did shoot 50% from beyond the arc in the tournament loss to Michigan while also posting 14 points. He and fellow sophomore Ahmad Gilbert will likely be the two combatants for the role.
Thus far, TopBet.eu is giving the Minnesotans the best paying odds next season at +8000. The bottom line, though, is that this team may not be a contender next year and the university is absolutely fine with that. The vast majority of the starting five will be in their sophomore or junior season, so there’s no pressure on the gold getting the gold just yet.
With star players graduating from strong teams throughout the conference as well, Minnesota’s futures odds will increase exponentially. The Golden Gophers basketball program has long been one that has competed against themselves. Unlike the Duke’s or Kansas’s of the world, this program grows its talent through a careful process and doesn’t blow its shot all at once.
A well-orchestrated recruitment process leads to a maintained and sustained growth protocol; the players grow and get their opportunities when it’s time.
Next season we’ll get an even better idea of what these guys can do. They’ll be another year older, a fantastic season wiser and will approach 2017-18 with a whole lot more tournament experience. Don’t count on the Gophers to take over the NCAA Division One crown next year. A date with destiny within the decade is very likely though, and the ‘sooner rather than later’ motto is also definitely in play.