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I'm not writing this to suggest that it's a certainty that Ben Johnson will turn this program around, or that this season has been "part of the plan" that he has. It's been pretty awful. And no matter what, this will get ripped by a lot of you because you can't help yourselves. But I think it's...

That's a fair point, "elite" is a bit strong. Elite would be in relative terms on this team..

You make a good point about Ihnen and Fox, I must admit I wasn't considering them, in part because there's a lot of doubt about their recovery, but I still believe Ihnen has a better chance to play some minutes between the two because he can guard so many positions on defense. I think Ben would...

Did the U ban good point guards from coming here? I didn't hear that. I'm not suggesting that it's incredibly likely, but it's certainly possible. To suggest there is zero chance doesn't seem real reasonable.

I share your frustration, and speaking of 1974, I was there watching Thompson, Saunders, etc. during those years. Except for Clem's time, it's been very difficult to be a fan. I have some mixed feelings about Ben, but I do see that the guy can recruit, and that remains our only hope. I don't...

I don't think he's real good overall either, but there are ways to utilize him effectively in a zone defense right now. He covers a lot of ground in a zone, and if he only learned to box out he'd be more effective. Offensively, he's been a liability when playing outside because he's not secure...

Agreed it was amazing that they didn't have a smaller quicker guy on Battle the entire night, which is much tougher on him. And Henley played well and showed some of the skills that will make him successful here-he plays good defense, is long and quick, and he is still one of the only players on...

Well, how about both Payne and JOJ being able to shoot a consistent 8 -15 ft jumper and at least be a threat to shoot? That would add a lot to this team. And even though they're both strong now, they can add some more muscle. Payne at 270 will be pretty physical-he can put more weight on his...

Good question. I am not a medical pro, and while I think we both agree there is no way to know how these two respond to another surgery, assuming they both recover fairly well, I would see Ihnen getting some time. And I base that on hearing from Gopher practices before this season that he was...

I certainly agree that 2 unproven coaches were hired consecutively, and I think a point guard and a shooter that can handle it (maybe that's Christie?) would be lovely. However, I don't think it's all on Evans and Christie. I'd be VERY surprised if some of our freshmen don't improve a great deal...

Whether it seemed positive or negative to people, everybody is tired of poor teams, especially when you look not far to the east at what they've done there. I'd also forward the unpopular notion that we can use a bit of patience around here. If next year is another poor-performing team, then...

There are multiple examples of players coming back from ACL knee injuries, neither you or anyone else knows how they will respond. Curry, by the way, had 4 major injuries, including tearing the ACL, MCL, and meniscus in his knee one time and had 2 other knee surgeries-not a good comparison...

Wow, what great insight you have about the simplest of basketball skills..

I expect Evans will be positioned differently than Payne is this year, although there are some advantages of having your "big" positioned at the top of the key. Payne does set very good screens for cutters, he's strong with the ball and he is a pretty good passer, but his unwillingness (or...

I couldn't agree more with your last paragraph. It's hard to see your team wallowing in last place. But I also disagree with the notion that Johnson is in over his head. I certainly don't have tangible evidence to support that right now, but I believe the guy can recruit, which is the lifeblood...

Impossible to say, but if things work out it would nice to see him at 25 min or more. They'll have to work out their rotations next year, because you can't have too many non-shooters on the floor. A bit more interior defense will help this team, and it needs all the help it can get right now.

I don't know about Evans being Johnson's savior either, but I do believe he'll have an impact. Sure, he's going to be bullied around some in the Big Ten, but I'd be awfully surprised if he doesn't put on some muscle between now and when he plays next year. Keep in mind his dad is 7 feet and...

Absolutely true, there is a desperate need to find a guard that can shoot, penetrate, and give opportunities to others. And last year we often had 4 shooters on the court, which gave much better spacing and room to drive. And the addition of a guard like this through the portal and a...

I agree with you that guard is the most important position in college ball. Our guard play has been poor. And, I would say that he can coach based on what he showed last year (with VERY little talent-with that talent level where else were you going to finish?), in addition to what I've seen...

I agree. We've got a lot of people here who think Johnson's coaching is complete crap. It is all on him because of the players he's brought in, and I would also argue with anyone about the challenges he had the first couple of years bringing in quality players. Anyone who knows basketball would...