Gopher Basketball
With the season imminent, I decided to rank the upcoming games, from 30 to 1, in the order in which they look most inviting, from my perspective. So, if you can only make a game or two at the Barn, if you’re having to run to the local pub because you have the Big Ten Network blues, or whatever might be the reason, here’s my suggested must sees from the wanna be’s:
30. UC-Riverside Highlanders
2006-07 record: 7-24; RPI-316 of 336 teams
Saturday, December 1st, Williams Arena, 12 noon
Amazingly enough, UC-Riverside does not have the lowest RPI of the teams that the Gophers are facing this season, but they’re pretty close to the bottom. Jim Woolridge is the new coach for the Highlanders, with his last stint at Kansas State before Bob Huggins came along. Their leading scorer, guard Larry Cunningham returns, along with a host of juco players.
29. South Dakota State Jackrabbits
2006-07 record: 6-24; RPI-329
Wednesday, December 12th, Williams Arena, 8 p.m.
This is the team with the lowest RPI that the Gophers face this season. The only reason they aren’t at #30 is the regional angle, and the fact that a Minnesota prep (from Red Rock Central HS), sophomore center Mark Engen is on the team. (I thought St. Paul product Matt Caldwell was also on the Jackrabbits, but he’s not on this year’s roster). The Jackrabbits do return their leading scorer and rebounder in sophomore Kai Williams, a 6-6″ forward.
28. Northwestern Wildcats
2006-07 record: 11-18; RPI-177
Wednesday, February 6th, Evanston, 6 p.m.
There might be some dispute with placing a conference game this deep, but thinking about playing at Welsh-Ryan Arena with an ambience of a junior high basketball game, against Carmody’s grinding style of ball makes me cringe. Leading scorer Kevin Coble returns, but fan favorite Tim Doyle is no longer around. Hopefully after this game, the Gophers will be working on a three game winning streak against the Wildcats.
27. Penn State Nittany Lions
2006-07 record: 11-19; RPI-199
Saturday, January 12th, State College, 1 p.m.
Okay, if Northwestern is painful, watching the boys play in State College is more of a dull pain. This could actually be a key game for Minnesota in Big Ten play, as it is their third conference game after opening on the road vs. Michigan State, then coming home for Northwestern. Winning this road game could give the Golden Gophers a boost before Indiana and Michigan State come into the Barn. The Nittany Lions feature some talent with senior Geary Claxton and junior Jamelle Cornley forming a formidable veteran duo, and freshman Talor Battle could be a revelation in the backcourt.
26. Kennesaw State Owls
2006-07 record: 12-18; RPI-276
Saturday, December 29th, Las Vegas, 7 p.m.
How can Kennesaw State rate above two Big Ten teams in my rankings? Because of that old real estate cliche- location, location, location. I don’t know if the action on the court will be very stimulating, but for those lucky fans following the team, being in Vegas right before New Year’s should beat February in Evanston. The Owls are chock full of transfers and jucos, but they do return their top two scorers from last season in Ronell Wooten and Shaun Stegall andthe first basketball player to go directly from Scotland to the States to play basketball in 7’1″ redshirt center John Allison.
25. Nicholls State Colonels
2006-07 record: 7-22; RPI-292
Friday, December 28th, Las Vegas, 7 p.m.
Why does Nicholls State get the nod ahead of Kennesaw State, especially since their RPI ranking is poorer? Really, it’s only for one reason-for this first game in Las Vegas Gopher fans making the trek out for the tournament likely won’t be sporting a hangover, whether from the bars or the gambling tables. A curiosity about this game is that the Colonels feature 5 Australians on their roster, including leading returning scorer, shooting guard Stefan Blaszczynski (perhaps a foreign exchange student from Poland?) Legend has it that the Aussies like to throw back a few pints, so if you hook up with the Aussie contingent after this game, you might have some entertaining stories to tell when you return home.
24. Colorado State Rams
2006-07 record: 15-13; RPI-106
Saturday December 8th, Williams Arena, 7 p.m.
With my initial glance at the schedule, I thought I’d have this game placed a lot higher. A solid mid-major conference, former NDSU coach Tim Miles’ new gig, a program that produced a NBA 1st round pick last year in Jason Smith-it seemed to indicate a decent non-conference game. Upon a closer look though, this appears to definitely be a rebuilding year for the Rams. In addition to losing Jason Smith, the Rams did not renew the scholarship of their 2nd leading scorer in Tyler Smith, and lost another double figure scorer in Cory Lewis. That leaves the team building around a couple 7 footers, senior Stuart Creason (the Rams’ only returning starter) and sophomore Ronnie Aguilar, whose freshman campaign was riddled by injuries, but who Miles is quite intrigued with. Otherwise, Miles will be relying upon juco transfers and true freshman to comprise the other positions on the squad. One other note, Gophers fans-I recall some comments about Purdue’s Dan Vandervieren’s obnoxious mother last year when the Boilermakers visited the Barn. Shortly thereafter, Vandervieren left West Lafayette and guess where he’s resurfaced? He’ll be sitting out this season, but maybe we’ll be lucky enough to have his mother entertain the student section once again.
23. Army Black Knights
2006-07 record: 15-16; RPI-225
Saturday November 10th, Williams Arena, TBA
I like this game for a couple reasons. One, it’s the opening regular season game for the Gophers at the Barn; Two, I like that the Gophers are playing against one of the Academies, who feature players that will be leading our soldiers and serving our nation in the next few years, if not months. The Black Knights are lead by Coach Jim Crews, former coach at Evansville and protégé of Bobby Knight. While the Gophers likely are much more talented than Army, the undersized Black Knights return several letter winners and their leading scorer Jarell Brown, who poured in 17 per game last year. I would also expect Army to make the Gophers work very hard in a physical season opener.
22. Central Michigan Chippewas
2006-07 record: 13-18; RPI-227
Saturday, November 24th, Williams Arena, 7 p.m.
This is shaping up as the sleeper game among competitive contests that the Gophers will face in the pre-conference schedule at Williams Arena. Since it occurs over Thanksgiving weekend, this game will likely be overlooked, which is unfortunate as talented, All-MAC point guard Giordan Watson should present an early test for the Gophers. In addition to Watson, the Chippewas are featuring the top recruiting class in the MAC, lead by beefy juco transfer Nate Minnoy, who spent his freshman year at Purdue and averaged 10 points and 5 rebounds per game. The Chippewas could be a real test for the Gophers.
21. Santa Clara Broncos
2006-07 record: 20-10; RPI-99
Saturday, December 22nd, Williams Arena, 6 p.m.
Looking for a pre-Christmas treat? I think this game will be an intriguing match-up for the Gophers. Steve Nash’s alma mater courted controversy when they forced retirement upon veteran coach Dick Davey last season, despite a 20 win season for the Broncos. His replacement is highly regarded Kerry Keating, the 35 year old former assistant at UCLA. Keating will have his work cut out for him in his initial season, as the Broncos lost three all-conference players from last year. He will have a solid point guard in Brody Angley, plus 6’10″, 305 lb. post presence John Bryant, both of who should create challenges for the Gophers. In addition, Santa Clara has a highly regarded recruiting class, lead by 7′ footer Michael Thompson. And to steal from Perry Como, Hopkins grad and Broncos senior Mitch Henke, coming off an in injury plagued junior campaign, is coming home for the holidays (kind of).
20. North Dakota State Bison
2006-07 record: 20-8; RPI-106
Monday, December 3rd, Williams Arena, 8 p.m.
Hard to believe that the best non-conference game for the Gophers at home this season will be against the Bison, and while you can criticize the schedule, you also need to credit current Colorado State coach Tim Miles with the impressive job he did while in Fargo, largely on the backs of overlooked preps from Minnesota. It amazes me that the Gophers were able to defeat the Bison by double figures these past two years, yet the Bison were able to defeat Wisconsin and Marquette on the road in consecutive years. While they will miss post presence Andre Smith, the Bison have a solid veteran trio in point guard Ben Woodside and forwards Brett Winkelman and Mike Nelson. New coach Saul Phillips will try to do what Miles couldn’t do by garnering a win in Williams Arena and this should be a stiff test for the Gophers.
19. Michigan Wolverines
2006-07 record: 21-12; RPI-54
Thursday, January 31st, Ann Arbor, 6 p.m.
While Tubby Smith is stepping into a situation where he has veterans returning to (hopefully) ease the transition, John Beilein is entering a pretty clean canvas in Ann Arbor. Guards Jarret Smith and Ron Coleman were regulars in the rotation last season, along with post player Ekpe Udoh. However, the Wolverines lost their top four players from last season, and the noted recruits are guards Cooperayle Harris and Kelvin Smith. It seems that the Maize and Blue will be pretty weak down low, but that might not discourage Beilein much at all. It will be interesting to see how quickly the Wolverines can adapt to his unique style and if Beilein can work his system with former coach Tommy Amaker’s players.
18. Penn State Nittany Lions
Sunday, February 24th, Williams Arena, 1 p.m.
Can you see that I’m not too excited about the Penn State games this year? Hopefully by the time the Gophers face the Nittany Lions at home, our guys will be priming for post-season play and Geary Claxton will be thinking about his playing options in Europe. This game should be a welcome respite in the schedule before a brutal four game stretch to end the season.
17. Michigan Wolverines
Thursday, February 21st, Williams Arena, 7 p.m.
Personally, I’m not very excited about the contests with the Wolverines this year either, but it will be interesting to see how far Beilein’s charges have advanced in the three weeks between the road and home match up. Plus, it’s always fun to read the comments after an opposing coach visits Williams Arena and the notorious raised floors for the first time.
16. Ohio State Buckeyes
2006-07 record: 30-3; RPI-1
Saturday, January 26th, Columbus, 7 p.m.
For the third straight season, Thad Matta is bringing a totally different version of the Buckeyes into the college basketball season. Can he lead the Buckeyes to a three-peat as conference champs? Not likely, but he will be blending freshman such as 7′ center Kosta Koufos and sharpshooter Jon Diebler along with veteran holdovers Jamar Butler, David Lighty, and Othello Hunter. The Buckeyes will be formidable again, but if the Gophers are looking to sneak a road victory away from Columbus, this could be the year to do so-the Buckeyes have several top 25 recruits waiting in the wings for several years out.
15. Illinois Fighting Illini
2006-07 record: 23-11; RPI-29
Saturday, March 8th, Champaign, Noon
I don’t know if there’s a tougher way to close out the Big Ten season than by visiting the Orange Crush, but like Ohio State above, if there’s a year to poach a victory from the Illini, this could be the season. They have solid veteran post players returning in All-Big Ten candidate Shaun Pruitt and Brian Randle, but they are as weak in the backcourt s they have been since before Cory Bradford strolled on campus, and they took some hits this off-season with Jamar Smith taking a redshirt year and freshman Quinton Watkins not gaining eligibility. Despite these issues, don’t count out a Bruce Weber coached team-between Chester Frazier and highly touted freshman Demetri McCarney, they could overachieve into a familiar top three slot in the Big Ten.
14. Iowa State Cyclones
2006-07 record: 14-16; RPI-135
Tuesday, November 20th, Ames, 7 p.m.
This has the potential to be a very sloppy performance by the Gophers-their second game of the season, first road contest, after a 10 day layoff due to semester finals. Regardless, it’s a match-up against a Big 12 opponent and hopefully a series that can stretch beyond the home and home that began last year ingloriously at Williams Arena. Iowa State is still definitely in rebuilding mode under second year coach Greg McDermott. The Cyclones do return six of their top seven scorers, but their leading scorer Michael Taylor who scorched the Gophers last fall was booted from the team this offseason. In addition to the holdovers, McDermott also brings six freshman to campus with PF Craig Brackins garnering the most publicity among the newcomers. It’s hard to say what the Cyclones will look like when the Gophers visit, but it should be interesting nonetheless.
13. UNLV Runnin’ Rebels
2006-07 record: 27-6; RPI-10
Sunday, December 30th, Las Vegas, 6 p.m.
On the cusp of New Year’s Eve, the Gophers will be taking on their one legitimate opponent out in Las Vegas. The Running Rebs lost a considerable amount from last year’s Sweet Sixteen squad, with Wink Adams the only returning starter back in the fold. Their recruiting class was highly touted, but their top prospect, center Beas Hamga, has yet to be given clearance by the NCAA. This will be a reunion of two coaches who used to match wits in the SEC; however, Tubby Smith was coaching for Georgia when Lon Kruger was at Florida. This is another great opportunity for the Gophers to snipe a win against a high profile program.
12. Florida State Seminoles
2006-07 record: 20-12; RPI-41
Tuesday, November 27th, Tallahassee, 6 p.m.
National TV shines upon the Gophers again, and our team is sure to attract a lot of attention as this will be Tubby’s presentation to the nation as Gophers head coach. Can our boys rise up in Tallahassee? While the Seminoles lost All-American forward Al Thornton, they still have a formidable trio in their backcourt with Jason Rich, Isaiah Swann, and Toney Douglas. To supplement this backcourt, Leonard Hamilton brought in two highly regarded post players in Solomon Alabi and Julian Vaughn. However, it’s early in the season, FSU will be coming off an emotional interstate battle against Florida just four days previous, and Tubby and his players could get a statement win for the Gophers and aid in the battle against the ACC.
11. Northwestern Wildcats
Wednesday, January 9th, Williams Arena, 7 p.m.
There’s one reason and one reason only that this game ranks so high-in anticipation of Tubby and the boys ending the three game winning streak that Northwestern has at Williams Arena. Among the several ignominious events from the Monson years, Northwestern’s recent dominance of the Gophers eats at me the most, especially at home. Hopefully on this night, all that will begin to wash away. (By the way, after a less than august collection of non-conference opponents visiting the Barn, does it seem fair that the Gophers open the Big Ten slate at home against these guys? Don’t despair though; the quality takes a dramatic upward arc after this game.)
10. Michigan State Spartans
2006-07 record: 22-11; RPI-24
Saturday, January 5th, East Lansing, 7 p.m.
While the Gophers opening the season at home against Northwestern may seem uninspiring, the actual kick off to the season at Breslin Arena looks downright brutal. The Spartans should be primed for a charge towards the Big Ten title, lead by All-American candidate Drew Neitzel, super soph Raymer Morgan, and a top notch freshman class. This game could be ugly and I never enjoy seeing the Izzone hopping around like pogo dancers when the Gophers are their guests.
9. Indiana Hoosiers
2006-07 record: 20-10; RPI-29
Tues/Thurs., March 4 or 6, Bloomington, TBA
When the Gophers visit historic Assembly Hall in early March, we’ll have a good idea if the hype surrounding Eric Gordon was deserved. Every indication is that Gordon is as talented a perimeter player that the Big Ten has seen in many years and teaming him with a veteran squad, lead by D.J. White could have the Hoosiers heading deep into the NCAA tournament. This is another potential ugly affair.
8. Iowa Hawkeyes
2006-07 record: 17-14; RPI-96
Saturday, February 9th, Williams Arena, 1 p.m.
I feel a little sad that my most hated rival ever has turned into a pedestrian matchup. Perhaps because I no longer live near the Iowa border, I don’t feel the animus that might still exist, but it just hasn’t felt the same without Dr. Tom Davis and the likes of Roy Marble, B.J. Armstrong, Ed Horton, and Al Lorenzen facing off against Clem and Willie Burton, Richard Coffey, Melvin Newburn, and friends. These last few years of mediocre play from the two programs, highlighted by the friendship between Coach Monson and Alford (egads!), has put a damper on the rivalry. Anyway, this is the only time the Gophers will see the Hawkeyes this year and although Todd Lickliter did some very good work at Butler, he doesn’t appear to have much to work with this year. With Adam Haluska exhausting his eligibility and Tyler Smith transferring to Tennessee, the Hawkeyes will be lead by the uninspiring veteran trio of Tony Freeman, Seth Gorney, and Justin Johnson. The incoming freshman do not look particularly inspiring either. Regardless, this looks like a good opportunity for the Gophers to stomp the Hawkeyes, which is always a good thing, and this will be last chance for Gopher fans to heckle the latest in a long line of awkward Iowa 7′ footers, senior Gorney.
7. Wisconsin Badgers
Saturday, February 16th, Madison, 1 p.m.
The Badgers should be down, but certainly not out this season, so the likelihood of the Gophers heading into the Kohl Center and getting a victory isn’t very likely. While they lost Alando Tucker and Kam Taylor, I expect Badger Bo to build a solid NCAA bound team around Brian Butch, Marcus Landry, Jason Bohannon, and a host of role players. The Badgers can be had, but probably not in Madison. However. . .
6. Purdue Boilermakers
2006-07 record: 21-11; RPI-44
Wednesday, February 27th, West Lafayette, 8 p.m.
You may be surprised to see this match up with the Boilermakers so high on the list. The reason its up here is because it will be the only time the two teams play this season and I’m really looking forward to seeing how good Matt Painter’s highly touted recruiting class is-freshman E’twaun Moore, JaJuan Johnson, Scott Martin, and Robbie Hummel, all top 100 preps, plus juco big man Nemanja Calasan. Add in heady point guard Chris Kramer and some solid veteran role players from last year’s NCAA team, consider the game is late in the season, and we could be seeing a well-oiled machine or a bunch of young players playing pretty inconsistently. Personally I can’t wait to watch.
5. Ohio State Buckeyes
Saturday/Sunday March 1st or 2nd, Williams Arena, TBA
I have always enjoyed Senior Day at Williams Arena, even when the outgoing seniors may have caused considerable frustration through the years. Honestly, Dan Coleman and Spencer Tollackson have ranked high on my personal frustration meter these past three years, but I am hoping that their senior year under Tubby will help them realize the potential that has been untapped. In addition, Lawrence McKenzie and Ryan Saunders will be serenaded by the Williams Arena crowd this day; hopefully this quartet of seniors will be applauded in leading the Golden Gophers to a surprising, unexpected winning campaign that will culminate in post-season play. Like their previous game against Purdue, you can expect the callow Ohio State players to have gelled by this point of the season and present quite a formidable test.
4. Illinois Fighting Illini
Tuesday, February 12th, Williams Arena, 8 p.m.
When Gopher fans consider the Monson era, many point to March 3, 2002 as the day when the program lost its upward momentum. In Rick Rickert’s freshman year, the Gophers had a double digit lead late, but the Illini closed the game on a 10-0 run, with the image seared in Gopher fans memory of Kerwin Fleming and Kevin Burleson unable to advance the ball past midcourt in that long, last minute. A likely NCAA bid slipped away and the program never really recovered. That game is just an indication of the struggles that the Gophers have had recently against the Illini; the Gophers have lost 16 consecutive games to Illinois, dating back to 2000. Consider that the last official win (due to Gangelgate) for the Gophers against Illinois came in 1993; the record books indicate that a current high school freshman was not born the last time we beat Illinois. It is time to defeat the Illini.
3. Wisconsin Badgers
Sunday, February 3rd, Williams Arena, 1 p.m.
If we’re long overdue to defeat the Illini, it’s also time to start balancing things out with Bucky Badger. Since 2000, the Gophers record against Wisconsin has been 2-13. I think the Badgers will be vulnerable this season, particularly away from home, and I think a win here could really serve notice that Tubby Smith has arrived and the days of Badger dominance, both on the court and on the recruiting trail, have ended.
2. Michigan State Spartans
Sunday, January 20th, Williams Arena, 3 p.m.
It is pretty surprising that Minnesota hung with the Spartans as well as they have over the past few years when you consider the dominance of the other Big Ten elite against the Gophers; while trips to East Lansing have been an exercise in misery, the Gophers were 3-3 at Williams Arena during Monson’s tenure. I don’t know if this squad will be fortunate enough to keep those good times rolling against this version of the Spartans, but if Monson could hang at home with Izzo, you have to like Tubby’s chances to do so. Defeating Neitzel and company early in the Big Ten schedule would be a huge upset, but don’t eliminate the possibility.
1. Indiana Hoosiers
Thursday, January 17th, Williams Arena, 8 p.m.
Last year, the ticket to get at Williams Arena was against Ohio State for the one opportunity to see Greg Oden in person before he headed to the Association. Eric Gordon is the reason to select this game if you can make only one this season. His talent is sublime, he’s on a team with Final Four potential, and you most likely won’t see him again in the Barn. Catch him before he’s sleepwalking through the NBA regular season at the Target Center.
Obviously a lot of research came into play while putting together this article. Besides the individual college websites, the most helpful websites were ericthrall.com, gophersports.com, kenpom.com, yahoo sports, and cbs sportsline.