Mo Walker talks U career, his role with Tubby and Pitino, pro career and more

[BleedGopher]

per STrib:

In the first three years, do you feel like could have contributed more than you did? Yeah, definitely. I’ve always had confidence in myself and my abilities; I just didn’t have opportunities in those first three years. I thought I could contribute, but I was accepting of my role and I’m extremely receptive to coaching, so I didn’t really complain or fuss too much about it.

Did you talk with Tubby and his staff about you losing some weight and that potentially benefitting your game? Our strength coach probably mentioned it, but it wasn’t something that was ever something that they were really harping about or really pushing me to do.

What changed when Pitino and his staff came? I think it really was just a simple conversation. Coach Smith never really sat me down and said this is what I need to do. I really didn’t know why I wasn’t playing, I just wasn’t playing, I was accepting of it. I guess he thought I wasn’t good enough so I don’t know, I just accepted it I guess. Because I thought I was working hard in practice, I thought I was working hard in the weight room, all those other things but I still wasn’t getting on the court. Coach P told me basically if I want to play, this is what I need to do. I think if coach Smith would have told me if I want to play this is what I do, I would have done everything.

http://www.startribune.com/mo-walke...gophers-career-and-what-lies-ahead/309591331/

Go Gophers!!

 

[TruthSeeker]

per STrib:

In the first three years, do you feel like could have contributed more than you did? Yeah, definitely. I’ve always had confidence in myself and my abilities; I just didn’t have opportunities in those first three years. I thought I could contribute, but I was accepting of my role and I’m extremely receptive to coaching, so I didn’t really complain or fuss too much about it.

Did you talk with Tubby and his staff about you losing some weight and that potentially benefitting your game? Our strength coach probably mentioned it, but it wasn’t something that was ever something that they were really harping about or really pushing me to do.

What changed when Pitino and his staff came? I think it really was just a simple conversation. Coach Smith never really sat me down and said this is what I need to do. I really didn’t know why I wasn’t playing, I just wasn’t playing, I was accepting of it. I guess he thought I wasn’t good enough so I don’t know, I just accepted it I guess. Because I thought I was working hard in practice, I thought I was working hard in the weight room, all those other things but I still wasn’t getting on the court. Coach P told me basically if I want to play, this is what I need to do. I think if coach Smith would have told me if I want to play this is what I do, I would have done everything.

http://www.startribune.com/mo-walke...gophers-career-and-what-lies-ahead/309591331/

Go Gophers!!

That is a damning statement by Walker of Tubby. Damning.

Pitino may not wind up being the answer, but Tubby needed to go. Good for the athletic department for getting rid of him.

 

[Gold Vision]

Mo Walker wasn't benched early just because he was fat and out of shape. He was hurt, suspended, and behind RS3, Iverson, and Mbakwe.

He turned himself around and finished his career nicely, but you can't blame that all on Tubby for not motivating him.

 

[Mulligan]

That is a damning statement by Walker of Tubby. Damning.

Pitino may not wind up being the answer, but Tubby needed to go. Good for the athletic department for getting rid of him.

10 ... 9 ... 8 ... 7 .. How long before Tubby's (Best record in whatever the hell many years) defender shows up?

 

[dpodoll68]

10 ... 9 ... 8 ... 7 .. How long before Tubby's (Best record in whatever the hell many years) defender shows up?

Facts are inconvenient for some, it's true. Did you enjoy missing the Tournament last year? Was it better than 3 appearances in 6 years? You are all getting exactly what you wished for.

 

[The-Real-Truth]

What Mo failed to address was that he was a non-factor last year. Was that the former coach's fault too? To me, it seems like he is trying to play for the Wolves. He is telling people what they like to hear.

 

[Governor Sibley]

Next.

 

[tinyarch]

It seems that Tubby may have expected his players to manage themselves in regard to how hard they wanted to work in order to succeed. It looks as though Mo was/is a kid who needs to be told nearly everything and then...once he knows exactly what is expected...he goes about trying to do that job.
I don't think either Tubby or Mo are at fault. I just see two different approaches and Mo not fitting in well with Tubby's approach. For Mo's sake, it was good that Pitino came in and gave him the feedback and structure that Mo needed.
As for Tubby...I hope they enjoy him out in Lubbock...

 

[scher215]

What Mo failed to address was that he was a non-factor last year. Was that the former coach's fault too? To me, it seems like he is trying to play for the Wolves. He is telling people what they like to hear.

He was a non factor last year? Wasn't he the leading scorer? (or at least top 2, I forget)

 

[scher215]

Mo Walker wasn't benched early just because he was fat and out of shape. He was hurt, suspended, and behind RS3, Iverson, and Mbakwe. He turned himself around and finished his career nicely, but you can't blame that all on Tubby for not motivating him.

I don't think he was suspended under Tubby was he? Wasn't that just with Pitino?

 

[howieramone]

I recall Orlando saying Not So Huge Mo had the worst knee injury he had ever seen.

 

[alchemy2u]

It seems that Tubby may have expected his players to manage themselves in regard to how hard they wanted to work in order to succeed. It looks as though Mo was/is a kid who needs to be told nearly everything and then...once he knows exactly what is expected...he goes about trying to do that job.
I don't think either Tubby or Mo are at fault. I just see two different approaches and Mo not fitting in well with Tubby's approach. For Mo's sake, it was good that Pitino came in and gave him the feedback and structure that Mo needed.
As for Tubby...I hope they enjoy him out in Lubbock...

Really, so a coach doesn't need any plans for the development of his players. Novel concept. That is one of the major differences between Pitino and Tubby. Pitino has development plans for each of his players and spends a good amount of practice time with individual workouts intended to improve each player, Tubby "let them manage themselves".


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[GophersInIowa]

Facts are inconvenient for some, it's true. Did you enjoy missing the Tournament last year? Was it better than 3 appearances in 6 years? You are all getting exactly what you wished for.

I try to think of the moves separately. Regardless of how Pitino does, I think it was time. In my opinion, it was apparent we weren't going to see anything better under Tubby. And things certainly didn't look very good for the future.

I know history hasn't shown it, but I think we can be a consistent tourney team and I don't think Tubby was going to get us there.

 

[tinyarch]

Really, so a coach doesn't need any plans for the development of his players. Novel concept. That is one of the major differences between Pitino and Tubby. Pitino has development plans for each of his players and spends a good amount of practice time with individual workouts intended to improve each player, Tubby "let them manage themselves".

Reading the Strib article that Bleed posted, it sure comes across that way. Only Tubby knows his version of the story.

 

[bga1]

Facts are inconvenient for some, it's true. Did you enjoy missing the Tournament last year? Was it better than 3 appearances in 6 years? You are all getting exactly what you wished for.

So..are you saying that Tubby would have had a squad that would have made the Tournament these past two years? I just don't think he had the talent coming in to do that.

13-14 Tubby lineup:

Eliason
Oto
Austin Hollins
Andre Hollins
Maverick Ahanmisi

 

[DeathClutch]

So..are you saying that Tubby would have had a squad that would have made the Tournament these past two years? I just don't think he had the talent coming in to do that.

13-14 Tubby lineup:

Eliason
Oto
Austin Hollins
Andre Hollins
Maverick Ahanmisi

Andre likely would have been at point and I doubt Coleman transfers if Tubby stays. Walker would likely still be 300lbs though.

 

[WindyCityGopher]

I've never had an axe to grind with Tubby. I appreciated that he got us to the tournament a few times (a pleasant occurrence over the past 20 years or so), but at the end I admit I was frustrated that we couldn't seem to get over the lower third of the B1G hump. But Tubby has moved on, and while I don't know at this point if Pitino is the answer or not, I'm a Gophers fan who's willing to give him my support because I desperately want the program to succeed. If he hasn't elevated the performance after another 2 years then I'll reassess.

 

[Winasota Gopher]

Can we not do this again?

Please.

 

[SelectionSunday]

Can we not do this again?

Please.

This. Thank you.

 

[station19]

Can we not do this again?

Please.

Well it is the off-season.

I say we leave it up to Tiny.

 

[The-Real-Truth]

I try to think of the moves separately. Regardless of how Pitino does, I think it was time. In my opinion, it was apparent we weren't going to see anything better under Tubby. And things certainly didn't look very good for the future.

I know history hasn't shown it, but I think we can be a consistent tourney team and I don't think Tubby was going to get us there.

There was a reason that he couldn't do it here. He even warned Richard about those problems here. A good AD would try to fix those issues before making such a move. All we are saying is the former coach could have retired here but also could have helped to fix those issues. As some of said, a young coach will come here to make a name for themselves. If they don't succeed, they are still considered for jobs like Alabama's because people will say, if a HOF coach can't do it how could a 2nd-year coach or similar type do it? There are some issues with this program. Richard will get a pass again this year because he will have only 10 players to work with. If a few get injured, he will use that excuse to apply for another job. At that point, nobody will come here not even a division 3 coach.

 

[station19]

I try to think of the moves separately. Regardless of how Pitino does, I think it was time. In my opinion, it was apparent we weren't going to see anything better under Tubby. And things certainly didn't look very good for the future.

I know history hasn't shown it, but I think we can be a consistent tourney team and I don't think Tubby was going to get us there.

They HAVE to be considered separately because they were separate issues. How well Pitino does here has no effect on the decision to fire Tubby.

There was a reason that he couldn't do it here. He even warned Richard about those problems here. A good AD would try to fix those issues before making such a move. All we are saying is the former coach could have retired here but also could have helped to fix those issues. As some of said, a young coach will come here to make a name for themselves. If they don't succeed, they are still considered for jobs like Alabama's because people will say, if a HOF coach can't do it how could a 2nd-year coach or similar type do it? There are some issues with this program. Richard will get a pass again this year because he will have only 10 players to work with. If a few get injured, he will use that excuse to apply for another job. At that point, nobody will come here not even a division 3 coach.

There is some truth to what you say, but the last line is a little over the top. This is a Big Ten coaching job. There will be plenty of applicants..........maybe not big name ones.

 

[dtrain19]

I've never had an axe to grind with Tubby. I appreciated that he got us to the tournament a few times (a pleasant occurrence over the past 20 years or so), but at the end I admit I was frustrated that we couldn't seem to get over the lower third of the B1G hump. But Tubby has moved on, and while I don't know at this point if Pitino is the answer or not, I'm a Gophers fan who's willing to give him my support because I desperately want the program to succeed. If he hasn't elevated the performance after another 2 years then I'll reassess.

Ditto

 

[MadtownGopher]

Mo made Orlando's Summer League team...

<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Costa Rican Gopher]

per STrib:

In the first three years, do you feel like could have contributed more than you did? Yeah, definitely. I’ve always had confidence in myself and my abilities; I just didn’t have opportunities in those first three years. I thought I could contribute, but I was accepting of my role and I’m extremely receptive to coaching, so I didn’t really complain or fuss too much about it.

Did you talk with Tubby and his staff about you losing some weight and that potentially benefitting your game? Our strength coach probably mentioned it, but it wasn’t something that was ever something that they were really harping about or really pushing me to do.

What changed when Pitino and his staff came? I think it really was just a simple conversation. Coach Smith never really sat me down and said this is what I need to do. I really didn’t know why I wasn’t playing, I just wasn’t playing, I was accepting of it. I guess he thought I wasn’t good enough so I don’t know, I just accepted it I guess. Because I thought I was working hard in practice, I thought I was working hard in the weight room, all those other things but I still wasn’t getting on the court. Coach P told me basically if I want to play, this is what I need to do. I think if coach Smith would have told me if I want to play this is what I do, I would have done everything.

http://www.startribune.com/mo-walke...gophers-career-and-what-lies-ahead/309591331/

Go Gophers!!

- Because he was a true Freshman playing behind upper class-men who were better than him and then was out for basically a year & a half with the injury/rehab. How stoned is Slo-Mo anyhow that he can't do the math on this?

- He lost over 50lbs after the injury while Tubby was still here. He had a lot more to go of course, but It's not like his weight was never mentioned. Tubby discussed Mo's recovery & weight loss many times.

- So after the millionth time Tubby got his ass about being a lazy slug who refused to put any effort towards defense, he still couldn't figure it out? Mo was one of the softest, laziest Gophers of all time. I wish him luck, but his departure will be addition by subtraction imo.

 

[alchemy2u]

- Because he was a true Freshman playing behind upper class-men who were better than him and then was out for basically a year & a half with the injury/rehab. How stoned is Slo-Mo anyhow that he can't do the math on this?

- He lost over 50lbs after the injury while Tubby was still here. He had a lot more to go of course, but It's not like his weight was never mentioned. Tubby discussed Mo's recovery & weight loss many times.

- So after the millionth time Tubby got his ass about being a lazy slug who refused to put any effort towards defense, he still couldn't figure it out? Mo was one of the softest, laziest Gophers of all time. I wish him luck, but his departure will be addition by subtraction imo.

Sounds like a little revisionist story telling going on here.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[die hard gopher]

Mo was one of the softest, laziest Gophers of all time. I wish him luck, but his departure will be addition by subtraction imo.

News to me, most would actually consider him quite physical and a load to handle once he gets in position. I'd gladly take his 11.8 PPG and 6.7 RPG over whatever Konate, Diedhou and even Lynch are expected to bring at least at this point. We'll see if those guys are NBA summer league caliber players after their U careers. Mo last year was maybe the most consistent low post, back to the basket scorer the gophers have had in a while, arguably better than Sampson or even Mbakwe.

 

[Costa Rican Gopher]

News to me, most would actually consider him quite physical and a load to handle once he gets in position. I'd gladly take his 11.8 PPG and 6.7 RPG over whatever Konate, Diedhou and even Lynch are expected to bring at least at this point. We'll see if those guys are NBA summer league caliber players after their U careers. Mo last year was maybe the most consistent low post, back to the basket scorer the gophers have had in a while, arguably better than Sampson or even Mbakwe.

Absolutely not. He was the complete opposite of physical, he was all finesse. He had a baby hook shot, finger rolls, tip ins, bankers, short jumpers, a whole bag of finesse scoring moves really, but virtually no power game at all. Yes, he could score in the block, but that's all he could do. More to the point, it's all he wanted to do. His defense was beyond bad & it was lack of want-to, not lack of talent. 6.7 boards is good, but that was mostly attributable to his height, minutes played and having no one else on the team rebounding. I have literally never heard anyone describe him as physical before. His consistent failure to set hard picks, to play team defense or to even get a body on his man under the basket all made him frustrating to watch. When your Senior, leading scorer, gives that type of effort it permeates down through the ranks. We were booby soft last year both physically & mentally, big Mo was a large part of that.

I want to point out that I did miss peak when I said he'd already lost 50lbs before Pitino got here, it was 30lbs.

 

[USTHoops]

Mo was never played by the coach in either of his first two summer league games

 

[Winasota Gopher]

I'm so glad we have all of summer to continue sh1ting on Mo.

Such a scumbag

/sarc