Gopher Basketball
Despite the punch-to-the-stomach feeling that Gopher fans are feeling tonight, the bottom line is that we are 0-0. So instead of recapping the game, here are some quick thoughts on the players tonight.
Lawrence McKenzie: Lawrence started his Gopher career in style tonight as he hit two three-pointers in the first minute of the game and gave the crowd a glimpse of the shooting touch he showed in Norman. But after that his game was inconsistent and forced. He finished with 13 points on 4/16 from the field including 3/10 from behind the arc.
Limar Wilson: Wilson also made his Gopher debut tonight and certainly showed his quickness in the open court and with his on the ball defense. But his half court offensive leadership and ball handling still have some work to do before the Big Ten season gets underway. Heck, he may be tested as early as Monday night as North Dakota State has guards who probably feel they should have been recruited by the Gophers and may have some extra motivation. It will be a good night for Wilson to establish the leadership we need this season from our floor general.
Dan Coleman: Dan has consistently been focused, aggressive and a great threat on offense. He was all over the court tonight ““ scoring from the perimeter, back to the basket, putting the ball on the floor, and active on the glass. He looks Big Ten ready and is showing more leadership early on this season.
Damian Johnson: Damian got his second start of the season and he played much better tonight than his first game. He had a balanced game on both ends of the floor ““ finishing with seven points, three blocks and four rebounds. He did struggle at times on the defensive end trying to make a big play.
Spencer Tollackson: Spencer struggled tonight in the first half. He played better in the second half and finished with eight points and six rebounds in 19 minutes of play before fouling out. We were out rebounded 40-27 ““ hopefully Spencer takes this statistic personally and makes it a season long mission to Crash. The. Boards.
Kevin Payton: Kevin did not start tonight with the addition of McKenzie and Wilson to the line-up, but he made his presence felt ““ especially on the defensive end. I anticipate that Kevin will lead the team in steals no matter how much time he gets. He finished with five steals tonight in 20 minutes of play. It is also clear that he is an emotional leader ““ a complement for a young freshman.
Bryce Webster: Bryce played 12 minutes and two points and two rebounds. If Nurumbi and Williams are struggling to find minutes this early in the season, Webster’s importance will continue to increase.
Brandon Smith: Brandon played a few more minutes tonight as Jamal Abu Shamala was in street clothes. Brandon played tough defense and had a really nice basket which he created for himself off the dribble.
Lawrence Westrbook: After a great first exhibition game where he was the game high scorer, Westbrook struggled to get minutes and managed a steal and turnover in six minutes of play.
Jonathan Williams and Engen Nurumbi: The two combined to play six minutes tonight, underscoring Coach Monson’s desire to win this game. The bench was shortened and these two felt the impact of that decision. We got badly out rebounded so we need one of these two to step up and provide the glass cleaner role that we badly need.
Well, there you have it. We lost to Winona State ““ at home. But there are two positives that come out of tonight’s game. We are 0-0. And we don’t have any more D2 in-state schools on our home schedule this year.