Mentioned this before...on paper IU's roster looked very similar to the Gophers as far as player ratings (sans Mendoza). Cignetti does a masterful job of finding the players that fit his scheme and he and his staff take it from there as far as coaching them up to and sometimes beyond their...
They definitely do. I would also add the Student Section at The Bank. Walk down that section right after the game. Various empty pint bottles with a few 750ml bottles here and there...
Agree. I think it is easily the most physical conference as well, which has not always translated into NCAA championships. What was just physical play in conference became fouls in the tournament.
Agree. They did pretty well without Mendoza the year before. That came from coaching and development. No doubt he was key to making it all the way to the championship.