Mallory Heyer announces she's leaving Gophers program

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walleye said:
As a senior, a leader, and a hardworking consistent experienced player, Heyer deserved to start and be a role model for the younger players. If there is someone playing better, they deserve to sub in and have lots of minutes too. Heyer played a huge number of minutes in a very physically demanding position. I think her effectiveness would increase if she got more rest during a game now that the Gophers have a good bench. We may never know what is going on. I liked how hard Heyer played the game and did the hard physical work that doesn't get enough attention. I am sorry to see her leave and wish her the best.
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Couldn't agree more!!
 

I may not under many things about the game but I do understand this:

From AI:
A work ethic is a set of values regarding diligence, integrity, and responsibility in the workplace.

Heyer has a great work ethic... she demonstrated it in every game.
 



We sometimes forget these are college kids who are still very young and sometimes it's more than just basketball that goes into their decision. I absolutely don't know anything, but it could be something as crazy as that she had a falling out with certain individual(s) and says I refuse to be around them/her. Again not saying I know anything, but when weird things happen and timing is really odd, it can be more than just basketball. Even if it were, no one's ever going to talk about it publicly.
 


Or maybe she just has an offer to go to graduate school somewhere else that has a high ranking graduate program that fits her career aspirations. I wish her the best, love players who work hard doing the dirty things.
 

Slim Tubby said:
At least she didn't pull a "Pryzbilla" and quit on her teammates during the middle of the season. I stopped recognizing him as a former Golden Gopher from that very moment.

Good luck to Heyer wherever she ends up and her departure puts a big dent in our frontcourt depth. It's an unexpected opening and chance for others to seize the opportunity and step up!
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Agree with the sentiment on Joel, but to his credit, he long ago apologized for his impulsive and immature decisions in bolting on his team. Pretty sure he had a serviceable pro career as well.
 


With no knowledge whatsoever about her situation, I will offer an alternative reason for her departure. Perhaps she has been applying to graduate schools and received acceptance for her first choice. She accepted and will enroll in the program in January. However, that would certainly limit her transfer location.
 



Gopher68 said:
With no knowledge whatsoever about her situation, I will offer an alternative reason for her departure. Perhaps she has been applying to graduate schools and received acceptance for her first choice. She accepted and will enroll in the program in January. However, that would certainly limit her transfer location.
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Wow it’s like somebody may have said that earlier?
 


The 2022 recuits which was Braun, Battle, Heyer, and Holloway turned out to be a bust. The best recuiting class in history was overated and never made the NCAA tournament. With Heyer leaving it just is icing on the cake.I thought when they signed here we go. Whalen could recuit. I thought see could coach. Turns out I was wrong on both counts.
 

Okay, let's dispel some of the rumors. While the story is not mine to tell, I can confirm some aspects.

-This is not something that has been festering or anything like that. Mallory has no ill will towards any of the players on the team and is still close to them. This was a decision that was best for her, and she made it now to allow the team and herself to move on before the season kicks off.

-While not a guarantee, it sounds like she will look at more schools outside of the Big Ten. Her connection to the team and players makes it uncomfortable for her to play against Minnesota like she would if she stayed in the conference.

-To anyone who thinks this decision was made simply due to starting or not starting or out of nowhere, you don't understand the thought that went into this, and while the events leading to it happened within the last 10-14 days, this was not a rash decision or one made out of spite. Also, she is not quitting on the team. She is doing what is best for her at this time and wishes nothing but the best to the current roster and team.

Might I encourage people not to jump to conclusions when real people and real emotions are in play here.


NOW, to get to the outrageous comment of this class being overrated or a bust. I assume this is a joke, right?

-Mara has missed played in 25 of the possible 45 games over the last two seasons. They are 19-6 in these 25 games.

-While yes, Whalen was a big part of the recruiting of the 22s, I would like to point out Carly, the associate head coach, probably had the biggest hand in getting them to the program. Notice how the recruiting classes seemed to change in talent level once Carly left for Fairfield?

If you look at Whalen's 5 years, her first season was the only one they were close or in the running to making the NCAA tournament. Both of Dawn's first two seasons, this team was well on the way to an NCAA tournament when injuries struck. Even last year, down Woodson and Mara, they were one, maybe two wins from making the tournament. I would say that the 22s (with one more season for sure left for Mara, Amaya, Sophie and Nia) have the program in a better place than where they found it. That is not a bust. Was it the type of success they all wanted, no. However, it is a massive part of the continued build. Reminder...where would the program be if all those players went elsewhere?
 
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bball_craz_31 said:
Okay, let's dispel some of the rumors. While the story is not mine to tell, I can confirm some aspects.

-This is not something that has been festering or anything like that. Mallory has no ill will towards any of the players on the team and is still close to them. This was a decision that was best for her, and she made it now to allow the team and herself to move on before the season kicks off.

-While not a guarantee, it sounds like she will look at more schools outside of the Big Ten. Her connection to the team and players makes it uncomfortable for her to play against Minnesota like she would if she stayed in the conference.

-To anyone who thinks this decision was made simply due to starting or not starting or out of nowhere, you don't understand the thought that went into this, and while the events leading to it happened within the last 10-14 days, this was not a rash decision or one made out of spite. Also, she is not quitting on the team. She is doing what is best for her at this time and wishes nothing but the best to the current roster and team.

Might I encourage people not to jump to conclusions when real people and real emotions are in play here.


NOW, to get to the outrageous comment of this class being overrated or a bust. I assume this is a joke, right?

-Mara has missed played in 25 of the possible 45 games over the last two seasons. They are 19-6 in these 25 games.

-While yes, Whalen was a big part of the recruiting of the 22s, I would like to point out Carly, the associate head coach, probably had the biggest hand in getting them to the program. Notice how the recruiting classes seemed to change in talent level once Carly left for Fairfield?

If you look at Whalen's 5 years, her first season was the only one they were close or in the running to making the NCAA tournament. Both of Dawn's first two seasons, this team was well on the way to an NCAA tournament when injuries struck. Even last year, down Woodson and Mara, they were one, maybe two wins from making the tournament. I would say that the 22s (with one more season for sure left for Mara, Amaya, Sophie and Nia) have the program in a better place than where they found it. That is not a bust. Was it the type of success they all wanted, no. However, it is a massive part of the continued build. Reminder...where would the program be if all those players went elsewhere?
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I don't want to derail this thread but you asked where would we be without this 2022 class. We finished in 13th place last year! Maybe 14th place without that class. Sorry bad weekend to be a Gopher fan I guess but if we can hope to make the NCAA tourney and finnish in 8th place that is a true Minnesota fan.
 

bball_craz_31 said:
Okay, let's dispel some of the rumors. While the story is not mine to tell, I can confirm some aspects.

-This is not something that has been festering or anything like that. Mallory has no ill will towards any of the players on the team and is still close to them. This was a decision that was best for her, and she made it now to allow the team and herself to move on before the season kicks off.

-While not a guarantee, it sounds like she will look at more schools outside of the Big Ten. Her connection to the team and players makes it uncomfortable for her to play against Minnesota like she would if she stayed in the conference.

-To anyone who thinks this decision was made simply due to starting or not starting or out of nowhere, you don't understand the thought that went into this, and while the events leading to it happened within the last 10-14 days, this was not a rash decision or one made out of spite. Also, she is not quitting on the team. She is doing what is best for her at this time and wishes nothing but the best to the current roster and team.

Might I encourage people not to jump to conclusions when real people and real emotions are in play here.


NOW, to get to the outrageous comment of this class being overrated or a bust. I assume this is a joke, right?

-Mara has missed played in 25 of the possible 45 games over the last two seasons. They are 19-6 in these 25 games.

-While yes, Whalen was a big part of the recruiting of the 22s, I would like to point out Carly, the associate head coach, probably had the biggest hand in getting them to the program. Notice how the recruiting classes seemed to change in talent level once Carly left for Fairfield?

If you look at Whalen's 5 years, her first season was the only one they were close or in the running to making the NCAA tournament. Both of Dawn's first two seasons, this team was well on the way to an NCAA tournament when injuries struck. Even last year, down Woodson and Mara, they were one, maybe two wins from making the tournament. I would say that the 22s (with one more season for sure left for Mara, Amaya, Sophie and Nia) have the program in a better place than where they found it. That is not a bust. Was it the type of success they all wanted, no. However, it is a massive part of the continued build. Reminder...where would the program be if all those players went elsewhere?
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I have to ask, are you connected to someone on the team?
As fans we’re allowed to have opinions on a message board. I understand your points; but, as an outsider it’s a very strange and odd situation. Just a week or two ago she was doing interviews about the team and the success that she was hoping for this year, to say she quit on the team is not out of line.
 

Okay, let's dispel some of the rumors. While the story is not mine to tell, I can confirm some aspects.

-This is not something that has been festering or anything like that. Mallory has no ill will towards any of the players on the team and is still close to them. This was a decision that was best for her, and she made it now to allow the team and herself to move on before the season kicks off.

You have not dispelled any rumors. When you say that the decision was "best for her" and other threads indicate that it was for "personal reasons," fans are left with no concrete explanation and speculation is the outcome. It is hard to understand how Heyer and her cohort came to Minnesota in solidarity in their goals to improve Minnesota basketball and then have one of the cohort break with the solidarity.
 

Gopher Mac said:
I don't want to derail this thread but you asked where would we be without this 2022 class. We finished in 13th place last year! Maybe 14th place without that class. Sorry bad weekend to be a Gopher fan I guess but if we can hope to make the NCAA tourney and finnish in 8th place that is a true Minnesota fan.
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Last season they 8-10 with Mara playing zero Big Ten games. They lost 5 of those 10 by 8 points or less. You really wanna say Mara playing doesn't change 1 or 2 at least of those games? And then likely push them in the NCAA?

And yes I know the players/families of players on the team. I know the coaches as well through my job in GBB/WBB. The situation changed, and Mallory is choosing to do what she feels is right. She also has the full support of the other 22s/teammates on the roster.

It's funny that so many people want the TMZ backstory or act like it's their business to know the personal lives of the same people and players they call quitters, overrated, busts, etc. Does knowing the exact why change those thoughts people have thrown out on here?
 

bball_craz_31 said:
Okay, let's dispel some of the rumors. While the story is not mine to tell, I can confirm some aspects.

You usually post good info and you know players and player families etc…

So you must know if she lost her starting position.. Did she lose her starting position???

In your summary below it sounds like she lost her starting position didn’t make an immediate decision but after 10-14 days decided to move on… she thought hard about it… but the main reason she left is she lost her starting job.. you can say there were other reasons.. but.. just curious..


-To anyone who thinks this decision was made simply due to starting or not starting or out of nowhere, you don't understand the thought that went into this, and while the events leading to it happened within the last 10-14 days, this was not a rash decision or one made out of spite. Also, she is not quitting on the team. She is doing what is best for her at this time and wishes nothing but the best to the current roster and team.


That’s just my interpretation of the above.
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Too me it sounds like she lost her starting job which means losing minutes… she was pissed off waited 10 days to see if things changed they didn’t and was still not happy…. And decided to move on.. which has the right to do.. Did she lose her starting job??
 

bball_craz_31 said:
Okay, let's dispel some of the rumors. While the story is not mine to tell, I can confirm some aspects.

-To anyone who thinks this decision was made simply due to starting or not starting or out of nowhere, you don't understand the thought that went into this, and while the events leading to it happened within the last 10-14 days, this was not a rash decision or one made out of spite. Also, she is not quitting on the team. She is doing what is best for her at this time and wishes nothing but the best to the current roster and team.
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I mean, she didn't quit but she just did what was best for herself are contradictory. Definitionally, she quit on the team as she left them with no time to replace her on the roster.

That being said she deserved some grace on it and not a ton of hate. She's young, only gets one college career, and in that only has one season to play left. It's reasonable to make her college basketball experience the best she can for herself. There's minimal opportunities for pros ahead so it's probably her last chance to play basketball so it's reasonable to want to go somewhere where she might play more if she was looking at losing minutes.
 

I think it will become apparent as the season rolls along, barring any serious injuries, why she was able to make a decision like this without feeling that her teammates were being left in the lurch, and with their support.

While I would love to have Heyer on the roster, I have a feeling this team is still going to be very good and will have a legitimate chance to make it to the Sweet 16 and maybe even the regional finals if they find themselves in the right portion of the bracket.

It seems Coach P finally has built up the roster to the point where she has the flexibility to game plan effectively and make in-game adjustments for any type of opponent. They lack only the very high-end talent that the top teams have to mitigate an unfavorable matchup or an off night against top quality competition.
 

rwlarson said:
I think it will become apparent as the season rolls along, barring any serious injuries, why she was able to make a decision like this without feeling that her teammates were being left in the lurch, and with their support.

While I would love to have Heyer on the roster, I have a feeling this team is still going to be very good and will have a legitimate chance to make it to the Sweet 16 and maybe even the regional finals if they find themselves in the right portion of the bracket.

It seems Coach P finally has built up the roster to the point where she has the flexibility to game plan effectively and make in-game adjustments for any type of opponent. They lack only the very high-end talent that the top teams have to mitigate an unfavorable matchup or an off night against top quality competition.
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Well said!
 

rwlarson said:
I think it will become apparent as the season rolls along, barring any serious injuries, why she was able to make a decision like this without feeling that her teammates were being left in the lurch, and with their support.

While I would love to have Heyer on the roster, I have a feeling this team is still going to be very good and will have a legitimate chance to make it to the Sweet 16 and maybe even the regional finals if they find themselves in the right portion of the bracket.

It seems Coach P finally has built up the roster to the point where she has the flexibility to game plan effectively and make in-game adjustments for any type of opponent. They lack only the very high-end talent that the top teams have to mitigate an unfavorable matchup or an off night against top quality competition.
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Think we will know early in the BIG season how high the ceiling is for this team. The Gophers play the most front-loaded BIG schedule in the league. They play the consensus preseason top 3 (UCLA, MD, Mich) and USC in the first 6 league games. Only BIG team to play the top 3 in the opening third of conference play.

Gophers also play 4 of first 6 conference games at home (inc. MD, USC & UCLA). 4-2 would be an amazing start. 3-3 would still bode well for the season.
 


Maybe playing for Fairfield and coach Carly Thibault is an option for Heyer. It's a good academic school with good graduate programs, not saying this will happen, but I could see it being a possibility. Wish Heyer well at her next school.
 

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