Gopher Warrior
Banned
- Joined
- Dec 15, 2009
- Messages
- 3,915
- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 36
Note: This is unedited and mostly rambling thoughts... meant to be very high level.
Twitter: bigjaybee
Big Ten Predicted Order of Finish:
Ohio State
Michigan State
Illinois
Purdue
Wisconsin
Minnesota
Northwestern
Penn State
Michigan
Indiana
Iowa
First and second go to tOSU and Michigan State, without question. After those two, I think any ordering of the next four is reasonable. From there, Northwestern stands out from the bottom four, which could be mixed up reasonably as long as Iowa remains on the bottom.
For the Gophers, a 5th or 6th place finish is reasonable as long as they earn a tourney berth. 7th would be disappointing and anything worse would be disgraceful. 3rd or 4th is doable and is a reasonable team goal. 1st or 2nd would be a significant accomplishment.
With the experience of the top 7 players for Minnesota, failure to reach the tournament would be sickening.
The Gophers are thrown into the gauntlet early on in conference play, starting at Wisconsin and at Michigan State. Indiana visits Williams Arena to provide a quick break against top-half-of-the-conference competition, but then we’re on the road at Ohio State, and then back home for Purdue. Arguably our three toughest conference games occur in our first four battles. A 1-3 start certainly doesn’t mean all is lost – but the team may need to show resolve and push through the rest of the season as they did a year ago.
Match-ups: The Gophers can play huge if needed, but certain match-ups may dictate that we don’t. Some of the potential combinations are intriguing but are going to be unwise in some situations.
My general starting lineup would likely be: Nolen, Joseph, Hoffarber, Mbakwe and Sampson. Iverson and Williams are also capable of starting at this point in the season.
Sampson, Mbakwe and Iverson are each capable of a points-rebounds double double on any given night.
From there, I believe we can count on Hollins and Walker for some minutes right out of the gate. Armelin may be able to help some as well.
Allen, Ahanmisi, Dawson and Elliason may get a chance for spot duty, but I do not see a likelihood of double-digit minutes from anyone in this group.
---------------
Bench minutes over the last three years:
2007-08: 38.2% for Minnesota, 30.8% average D-I. Gophers 33rd highest bench usage in the nation.
2008-09: 40.8%, 30.7%, 12th.
2009-10: 36.1%, 31.0, 67th.
I believe a figure in the lower-mid 30s is likely in 2010-11
--------------
Al Nolen
Despite participating in just six Big Ten games during last season’s campaign (declared academically ineligible for the second semester), Nolen has plenty of experience, having logged over 2,000 minutes. Nolen is a true point guard. He is not a player that should be counted on to contribute significant points or to take the shot in a clutch situation; however, he can contribute nicely to offensive efficiency by taking care of the ball and finding his teammates in position to score.
Defensively, he is not physically big or remarkably long for his position, but is quick on the ball and in passing lanes. He can frustrate opponents and will rack up an impressive number of steals.
A 2010-11 line of 7 ppg, 5 apg, 3 to 4 rpg and 3 spg is reasonable to expect. An improvement of his lifetime field goal percentage of 34.1% would be nice to see, but there is no reason to believe that he’ll shoot much better this year.
Random Fact or Thought: Al has converted either zero or one field goal attempt in more than half the games he has played.
Blake Hoffarber
Possessing one of the better shots in the nation, Blake Hoffarber will burn you alive if left with any space. After a disappointing sophomore season in which he shot just 41.3% from the field (34.1% 3p fg), the Minnesota native ripped the net at a rate of 49.6%, including 46.7% from behind the arc last year. Had hernia surgery in the offseason but is moving and shooting as well as ever.
Blake’s offensive rating was the best in the nation and is the team’s highest returning scorer, but he has been somewhat limited in being able to create his own shot. In 2010-11, Hoffarber may need to be a little more aggressive in his shot selection. While the offensive rating may decrease a bit in his senior season, the two-time Espy winner has shown he can make a clutch shot and adding just a touch of “greed” to his game could benefit this team.
An elite three point shooter and a heady senior that doesn’t make many mistakes on either end of the floor, Hoffarber’s value to this team is substantial.
Random Fact or Thought: Hoffarber has never attempted more than six free throws in any of his 100+ games.
Ralph Sampson III
Ralph seems a bit overlooked by some coming into this season, but could prove to be the key piece to a very successful season. At 6’11, he possesses skills to score the basketball on the inside as well a nifty jump shot from 10-15 feet out. After Devoe Joseph, he may be go-to scoring option number two on this squad.
At times last year he seemed fired up for a moment… but that would only last 20 seconds. I’d like to see a more aggressive and passionate RSIII with some consistency, but it’s not in his character. However, his skills are good enough that he could find himself as an All-Conference player in one of his final two years at the U. I expect Ralph to exceed the expectations of many this season.
Random Fact or Thought: In 66 career games, Sampson has been held scoreless just three times. Two of those have come against Michigan State (the other was Virginia).
Colton Iverson
Physically, Iverson is solid. He can play with a mean streak that can complement Sampson’s game at times. On the boards, this 6’10”, 260 pound junior can use his stature to bring down the orange. He is capable of a double-double on any given night, but as long as he is defending with physicality and pulling down boards, he is doing what the Gophers need. Being a big guy that isn’t afraid to mix it up on the blocks a bit, he can find himself in foul trouble. With the depth along the front court this season, foul issues should be manageable.
As a sophomore, Colt had some rough periods of time, including eight games from 1/13/10 – 2/14/10, which occurred when he was removed from the starting lineup after three lackluster performances as a starter. During those eight games he averaged 10.1 mpg, 1.8 ppg, 1.9 rpg and in only two of those games did he record any blocked shots. However, he finished the season strong, had a good offseason and I think his head is in the right place.
If Iverson can cut down on the turnovers and convert free throws attempts at a non Shaq-like rate (51.7% career FT percentage), he should have a solid year and play an important role on this team. Whether or not he starts, I’d like to see his minutes get into the low 20s per game if he is doing the right things on the court. In 2009-10, his average mpg declined to 16.9 (from 17.7 as a frosh) and he only played in excess of 20 minutes eight times all year (half of those occurring in his four starts… averaged 25.3 as a starter and 15.9 off the bench).
Random Fact or Thought: During his career, 41.1% of Colt’s blocked shots have come in only 9.0% of his games played.
Devoe Joseph
The junior from Canada is a combo guard that was forced into playing the point for much of the second half of the 2009-10 season due to Nolen’s ineligibility. Joseph is certainly capable of running the point, but the preference is to have him at scoring guard, especially this year when the Gophers need a go-to scoring option to step up as Lawrence Westbrook has graduated.
Devoe’s confidence seems high and he may be ready to take another step forward in his development this year. He had been bothered by an injury last spring and again an injury kept him from playing much with the Canadian Development team this summer. As of early November, there appears to be some injury concerns and issues lingering and this may affect his playing time early in the season. Having watched him as recently as early November, he does look good moving on the court, but not having Devoe at near 100% for much of the season would be unfortunate. Definitely a concern of mine and has been for months.
Nolen should take up the bulk of meaningful point guard minutes, but Joseph may need to fill in if the youngsters are not able to. If healthy, Joseph should average 12 points or better, along with 3 rebs and 3 assists. Although he’s shot under 40% during his Gopher career, he’s a guy I want getting the ball when the team needs to create offense quickly.
Random Fact or Thought: I could go for a Club hoagie from Davanni’s right about now.
Rodney Williams
Williams possesses athletic gifts some kids dream about. During his freshman campaign, he put up strong numbers against weaker competition over the first few weeks of the season. By the end of the season, however, he was playing sparingly and averaged just 11.9 minutes per game for the full year. His minutes should grow substantially this season, but how much (i.e., high teens vs. high twenties) is going to be up to him.
His impressive length enables him to block shots, tip the ball when defending and pull down boards. He could star in a sequel of Flubber without using special effects. Rodney is very impressive to watch because you never know when exactly a highlight reel move is coming, but you know it’s probably coming soon.
With some space he will make your jaw drop. In a half court set, however, he has a ways to go. I believe he is still another year off before potentially becoming a star in the Big Ten, but he should be an important contributor to this year’s team and will certainly lead the team in highlights. Along with Sampson, Rodney is another guy who I would love to get a little more aggressive and mean at times… but here also it doesn’t seem to be in his make-up.
Random Thought or Fact: In his first three games, Williams averaged 5.7 field goals made per game. In the final 29 games he appeared in, that figure dropped to 1.3.
Trevor Mbakwe
His redshirt was questionably lifted as a freshman at Marquette and he never did much in Milwaukee prior to quitting and heading to JUCO a couple of days before the fall 2008-09 semester started. After a successful year at Miami-Dade in 2008-09 and redshirting in Minnesota last season, Mbakwe now starts his fourth year of college as a redshirt junior that will see his first meaningful minutes as a D-I basketball player.
Mbakwe is a man. Physically impressive at 6’8”, 240, he has no problem going to war inside, which he will have to do in the Big Ten. Many of the Gopher faithful seem to have somewhat inflated expectations of Mbakwe, but certainly he will be very good, if not great, this year. 8 points and 5 boards should be attainable and with the bigs on the roster would probably be enough to help the team. However, the potential is there to produce something more in the 12 point, 8 board range this season.
Don’t expect to see Trevor popping shots from 15+ feet out with any regularity, but he will take the ball to the rim and have some nice outings in the scoring column and he will have some big rebounding nights. In addition, prepare to see some vicious shot blocks from this young man.
Random Thought or Fact: Was ranked #91 in the final 2007 RSCI. Other Minnesotans that year included Cole Aldrich (#21) and Jon Leuer (#86).
Maurice Walker
Mo is a big boy at nearly 6’10” and approaching 300 pounds. The Canadian takes up a lot of space inside and has the hands that could result in him becoming a solid contributor at this level. In situations where the Gophers need someone to bang down low and get physical, Walker is a guy that can fill that need.
He’s played with and against strong competition both in Canada and the U.S. (including Brewster Academy (NH) last year, a program that regularly produces excellent college players). His vertical abilities are challenged and he won’t be a top shot blocker, but on this team there are others who have that covered. In 2010-11, Walker is in a good position in that he can ease into the college game with the roster Minnesota has. I’d be happy with 10 minutes per game where he lays his body on the opposition, tosses in a bucket or two, grabs a couple of boards… all while improving his conditioning and physique over the course of the year.
Random Thought or Fact: Canada taxes the holy hell out of beer and liquor. I hold that against them more than I do all the Frenchies, the Vancouver Canucks and Justin Bieber combined. But I am thankful for Mo, Devoe and Junior Cadougan.
Austin Hollins
Listed at 6’4”, 180, he may be a bit taller and weigh even less. The son of Memphis Grizzlies basketball coach Lionel Hollins, he’s a smart player. A basketball player. Great length, moves well without the ball and has a knack for getting to the rock before anyone else. In year one, Hollins needs to play consistent basketball and be an all around player – he is capable of doing a number of things well on the court. His Inspector Gadget arms will help on defense and if he can consistently play tough d when subbed into games, he will get his minutes. At times, you’ll see Hollins stroke it from downtown and make some athletic moves at the rim. But what is needed this year is good defense, and few mistakes.
Random Thought or Fact: Played high school basketball with 6’4” Todd Mayo, the younger brother of Timberwolves draft-pick O.J. Todd has enrolled at Notre Dame Prep for an additional year of school before heading to college.
Elliot Eliason
From northwestern Nebraska, Eliason is nearing 7’ and comes from a family of athletes. At Chadron high, he and 6’5” teammate Zac Bargen carried most of the scoring load. Posting up inside, Eliason was going against 6’4” to 6’6” competition more often than not. He’s added some strength since arriving in the Twin Cities this summer, but will need to continue adding to it. He’s capable of making some pretty passes and some decent offensive moves. He can be a contributor in future years, but as of now might get eaten up against some of the competition. With the make up of this roster, Eliason is a candidate for a redshirt. He’s known this was a possibility all along and is agreeable to it. Even if the plan at the beginning of the year is to redshirt him, there is always the possibility of changes in the roster that would require him to play this year. If he does play this year, the minutes would be limited.
Random Thought or Fact: Don Beebe attended Chadron State before being drafted by the Buffalo Bills. Later in his career, he would win a Super Bowl (appeared in six of them!) with the disgraceful Green Bay Packers.
Maverick Ahanmisi
Played at basketball factory Stoneridge (CA) with Enes Kanter last year after completing four years at Golden Valley High School (CA). Had planned to attend Boise St. a year ago but did not qualify. Doesn’t possess the athleticism and bounce of some of the other guys on the team, but can play steady… the question is whether or not he can play steady at this level. A combo guard, he showed the ability of score during high school but I would expect little from him this season.
Listed generously at 6’2”, he may see limited action at point guard during portions of the non-conference schedule.
Random Thought or Fact: As a child, walking the stairs throughout Williams Arena frightened me at times. I’m super tough now, though.
Chip Armelin
Armelin is an impressive athlete that, in addition to a solid basketball career at Sulphur high (LA), was a standout wide receiver during his senior year. Standing about 6’3”, he likes to shoot the ball when on offense. Has good spring to his step and will have his moments against lesser competition in limited minutes this early winter. However, his offensive tendencies may not work well in this offense and unless his defensive play is consistently impressive, I could see him getting a quick hook when he does make appearances in games. True, the Gophers do need go to scorers, but I don’t think Chip is the answer this year.
At a minimum, a fun player to watch that will occasionally impress during limited appearances… at best, a contributor who adds a scoring punch and aggressiveness on offense.
Random Thought or Fact: I like the fries at Sally’s.
Oto Osenieks
Oto is a 6’8” kid (actually a 20 year old freshman) who has often been described by Gopher media as a power forward, but who is much more of a wing. A capable shooter from outside the arc, he’ll need to work on his defensive skills to get minutes in the future. For 2010-11, he is a nonqualifier, will not be competing and loses a year of eligibility. However, a partial waiver has been received which will allow Osenieks to practice with the team this season. As long as his progress towards his degree stays on pace, he will be able to earn back the lost year of eligibility and play four years starting in 2011-12.
Random Thought or Fact: Between him and his brother, I think Oto got the better name. Something about the name Reinis is troubling.
Chris Halverson
6’8” forward that went to Sibley. Spent last year at Valparaiso where things did not work out well from a basketball perspective. Is now enrolled at the U and is a walk-on with the team. As a transfer, he is not allowed to play this season, but will be eligible for 3 years of competition with the Gophers beginning in 2011-12. Not at all a bad walk on. Could turn out to be a contributor.
Bryant Allen
Speedy six-foot point guard will again walk-on for the basketball team when the football season wraps up (officially wraps up, that is). Athletic kid out of Missouri who posted some impressive numbers on the hoop court during his high school days. Allen may get a chance to play a few minutes here and there, especially if the freshman combo guards are not ready. Did appear in 9 games last year, but in only 1 of those games did he play more than 5 minutes.
Dominique Dawson
Redshirt freshman walk-on.
-------------------------
Dreamt up scoring distribution:
Joseph 13 ppg
Hoffarber 12 ppg
Sampson 11 ppg
Mbakwe 9 ppg
Williams 8 ppg
Nolen 7 ppg
Iverson 6 ppg
Hollins 4 ppg
Twitter: bigjaybee
Big Ten Predicted Order of Finish:
Ohio State
Michigan State
Illinois
Purdue
Wisconsin
Minnesota
Northwestern
Penn State
Michigan
Indiana
Iowa
First and second go to tOSU and Michigan State, without question. After those two, I think any ordering of the next four is reasonable. From there, Northwestern stands out from the bottom four, which could be mixed up reasonably as long as Iowa remains on the bottom.
For the Gophers, a 5th or 6th place finish is reasonable as long as they earn a tourney berth. 7th would be disappointing and anything worse would be disgraceful. 3rd or 4th is doable and is a reasonable team goal. 1st or 2nd would be a significant accomplishment.
With the experience of the top 7 players for Minnesota, failure to reach the tournament would be sickening.
The Gophers are thrown into the gauntlet early on in conference play, starting at Wisconsin and at Michigan State. Indiana visits Williams Arena to provide a quick break against top-half-of-the-conference competition, but then we’re on the road at Ohio State, and then back home for Purdue. Arguably our three toughest conference games occur in our first four battles. A 1-3 start certainly doesn’t mean all is lost – but the team may need to show resolve and push through the rest of the season as they did a year ago.
Match-ups: The Gophers can play huge if needed, but certain match-ups may dictate that we don’t. Some of the potential combinations are intriguing but are going to be unwise in some situations.
My general starting lineup would likely be: Nolen, Joseph, Hoffarber, Mbakwe and Sampson. Iverson and Williams are also capable of starting at this point in the season.
Sampson, Mbakwe and Iverson are each capable of a points-rebounds double double on any given night.
From there, I believe we can count on Hollins and Walker for some minutes right out of the gate. Armelin may be able to help some as well.
Allen, Ahanmisi, Dawson and Elliason may get a chance for spot duty, but I do not see a likelihood of double-digit minutes from anyone in this group.
---------------
Bench minutes over the last three years:
2007-08: 38.2% for Minnesota, 30.8% average D-I. Gophers 33rd highest bench usage in the nation.
2008-09: 40.8%, 30.7%, 12th.
2009-10: 36.1%, 31.0, 67th.
I believe a figure in the lower-mid 30s is likely in 2010-11
--------------
Al Nolen
Despite participating in just six Big Ten games during last season’s campaign (declared academically ineligible for the second semester), Nolen has plenty of experience, having logged over 2,000 minutes. Nolen is a true point guard. He is not a player that should be counted on to contribute significant points or to take the shot in a clutch situation; however, he can contribute nicely to offensive efficiency by taking care of the ball and finding his teammates in position to score.
Defensively, he is not physically big or remarkably long for his position, but is quick on the ball and in passing lanes. He can frustrate opponents and will rack up an impressive number of steals.
A 2010-11 line of 7 ppg, 5 apg, 3 to 4 rpg and 3 spg is reasonable to expect. An improvement of his lifetime field goal percentage of 34.1% would be nice to see, but there is no reason to believe that he’ll shoot much better this year.
Random Fact or Thought: Al has converted either zero or one field goal attempt in more than half the games he has played.
Blake Hoffarber
Possessing one of the better shots in the nation, Blake Hoffarber will burn you alive if left with any space. After a disappointing sophomore season in which he shot just 41.3% from the field (34.1% 3p fg), the Minnesota native ripped the net at a rate of 49.6%, including 46.7% from behind the arc last year. Had hernia surgery in the offseason but is moving and shooting as well as ever.
Blake’s offensive rating was the best in the nation and is the team’s highest returning scorer, but he has been somewhat limited in being able to create his own shot. In 2010-11, Hoffarber may need to be a little more aggressive in his shot selection. While the offensive rating may decrease a bit in his senior season, the two-time Espy winner has shown he can make a clutch shot and adding just a touch of “greed” to his game could benefit this team.
An elite three point shooter and a heady senior that doesn’t make many mistakes on either end of the floor, Hoffarber’s value to this team is substantial.
Random Fact or Thought: Hoffarber has never attempted more than six free throws in any of his 100+ games.
Ralph Sampson III
Ralph seems a bit overlooked by some coming into this season, but could prove to be the key piece to a very successful season. At 6’11, he possesses skills to score the basketball on the inside as well a nifty jump shot from 10-15 feet out. After Devoe Joseph, he may be go-to scoring option number two on this squad.
At times last year he seemed fired up for a moment… but that would only last 20 seconds. I’d like to see a more aggressive and passionate RSIII with some consistency, but it’s not in his character. However, his skills are good enough that he could find himself as an All-Conference player in one of his final two years at the U. I expect Ralph to exceed the expectations of many this season.
Random Fact or Thought: In 66 career games, Sampson has been held scoreless just three times. Two of those have come against Michigan State (the other was Virginia).
Colton Iverson
Physically, Iverson is solid. He can play with a mean streak that can complement Sampson’s game at times. On the boards, this 6’10”, 260 pound junior can use his stature to bring down the orange. He is capable of a double-double on any given night, but as long as he is defending with physicality and pulling down boards, he is doing what the Gophers need. Being a big guy that isn’t afraid to mix it up on the blocks a bit, he can find himself in foul trouble. With the depth along the front court this season, foul issues should be manageable.
As a sophomore, Colt had some rough periods of time, including eight games from 1/13/10 – 2/14/10, which occurred when he was removed from the starting lineup after three lackluster performances as a starter. During those eight games he averaged 10.1 mpg, 1.8 ppg, 1.9 rpg and in only two of those games did he record any blocked shots. However, he finished the season strong, had a good offseason and I think his head is in the right place.
If Iverson can cut down on the turnovers and convert free throws attempts at a non Shaq-like rate (51.7% career FT percentage), he should have a solid year and play an important role on this team. Whether or not he starts, I’d like to see his minutes get into the low 20s per game if he is doing the right things on the court. In 2009-10, his average mpg declined to 16.9 (from 17.7 as a frosh) and he only played in excess of 20 minutes eight times all year (half of those occurring in his four starts… averaged 25.3 as a starter and 15.9 off the bench).
Random Fact or Thought: During his career, 41.1% of Colt’s blocked shots have come in only 9.0% of his games played.
Devoe Joseph
The junior from Canada is a combo guard that was forced into playing the point for much of the second half of the 2009-10 season due to Nolen’s ineligibility. Joseph is certainly capable of running the point, but the preference is to have him at scoring guard, especially this year when the Gophers need a go-to scoring option to step up as Lawrence Westbrook has graduated.
Devoe’s confidence seems high and he may be ready to take another step forward in his development this year. He had been bothered by an injury last spring and again an injury kept him from playing much with the Canadian Development team this summer. As of early November, there appears to be some injury concerns and issues lingering and this may affect his playing time early in the season. Having watched him as recently as early November, he does look good moving on the court, but not having Devoe at near 100% for much of the season would be unfortunate. Definitely a concern of mine and has been for months.
Nolen should take up the bulk of meaningful point guard minutes, but Joseph may need to fill in if the youngsters are not able to. If healthy, Joseph should average 12 points or better, along with 3 rebs and 3 assists. Although he’s shot under 40% during his Gopher career, he’s a guy I want getting the ball when the team needs to create offense quickly.
Random Fact or Thought: I could go for a Club hoagie from Davanni’s right about now.
Rodney Williams
Williams possesses athletic gifts some kids dream about. During his freshman campaign, he put up strong numbers against weaker competition over the first few weeks of the season. By the end of the season, however, he was playing sparingly and averaged just 11.9 minutes per game for the full year. His minutes should grow substantially this season, but how much (i.e., high teens vs. high twenties) is going to be up to him.
His impressive length enables him to block shots, tip the ball when defending and pull down boards. He could star in a sequel of Flubber without using special effects. Rodney is very impressive to watch because you never know when exactly a highlight reel move is coming, but you know it’s probably coming soon.
With some space he will make your jaw drop. In a half court set, however, he has a ways to go. I believe he is still another year off before potentially becoming a star in the Big Ten, but he should be an important contributor to this year’s team and will certainly lead the team in highlights. Along with Sampson, Rodney is another guy who I would love to get a little more aggressive and mean at times… but here also it doesn’t seem to be in his make-up.
Random Thought or Fact: In his first three games, Williams averaged 5.7 field goals made per game. In the final 29 games he appeared in, that figure dropped to 1.3.
Trevor Mbakwe
His redshirt was questionably lifted as a freshman at Marquette and he never did much in Milwaukee prior to quitting and heading to JUCO a couple of days before the fall 2008-09 semester started. After a successful year at Miami-Dade in 2008-09 and redshirting in Minnesota last season, Mbakwe now starts his fourth year of college as a redshirt junior that will see his first meaningful minutes as a D-I basketball player.
Mbakwe is a man. Physically impressive at 6’8”, 240, he has no problem going to war inside, which he will have to do in the Big Ten. Many of the Gopher faithful seem to have somewhat inflated expectations of Mbakwe, but certainly he will be very good, if not great, this year. 8 points and 5 boards should be attainable and with the bigs on the roster would probably be enough to help the team. However, the potential is there to produce something more in the 12 point, 8 board range this season.
Don’t expect to see Trevor popping shots from 15+ feet out with any regularity, but he will take the ball to the rim and have some nice outings in the scoring column and he will have some big rebounding nights. In addition, prepare to see some vicious shot blocks from this young man.
Random Thought or Fact: Was ranked #91 in the final 2007 RSCI. Other Minnesotans that year included Cole Aldrich (#21) and Jon Leuer (#86).
Maurice Walker
Mo is a big boy at nearly 6’10” and approaching 300 pounds. The Canadian takes up a lot of space inside and has the hands that could result in him becoming a solid contributor at this level. In situations where the Gophers need someone to bang down low and get physical, Walker is a guy that can fill that need.
He’s played with and against strong competition both in Canada and the U.S. (including Brewster Academy (NH) last year, a program that regularly produces excellent college players). His vertical abilities are challenged and he won’t be a top shot blocker, but on this team there are others who have that covered. In 2010-11, Walker is in a good position in that he can ease into the college game with the roster Minnesota has. I’d be happy with 10 minutes per game where he lays his body on the opposition, tosses in a bucket or two, grabs a couple of boards… all while improving his conditioning and physique over the course of the year.
Random Thought or Fact: Canada taxes the holy hell out of beer and liquor. I hold that against them more than I do all the Frenchies, the Vancouver Canucks and Justin Bieber combined. But I am thankful for Mo, Devoe and Junior Cadougan.
Austin Hollins
Listed at 6’4”, 180, he may be a bit taller and weigh even less. The son of Memphis Grizzlies basketball coach Lionel Hollins, he’s a smart player. A basketball player. Great length, moves well without the ball and has a knack for getting to the rock before anyone else. In year one, Hollins needs to play consistent basketball and be an all around player – he is capable of doing a number of things well on the court. His Inspector Gadget arms will help on defense and if he can consistently play tough d when subbed into games, he will get his minutes. At times, you’ll see Hollins stroke it from downtown and make some athletic moves at the rim. But what is needed this year is good defense, and few mistakes.
Random Thought or Fact: Played high school basketball with 6’4” Todd Mayo, the younger brother of Timberwolves draft-pick O.J. Todd has enrolled at Notre Dame Prep for an additional year of school before heading to college.
Elliot Eliason
From northwestern Nebraska, Eliason is nearing 7’ and comes from a family of athletes. At Chadron high, he and 6’5” teammate Zac Bargen carried most of the scoring load. Posting up inside, Eliason was going against 6’4” to 6’6” competition more often than not. He’s added some strength since arriving in the Twin Cities this summer, but will need to continue adding to it. He’s capable of making some pretty passes and some decent offensive moves. He can be a contributor in future years, but as of now might get eaten up against some of the competition. With the make up of this roster, Eliason is a candidate for a redshirt. He’s known this was a possibility all along and is agreeable to it. Even if the plan at the beginning of the year is to redshirt him, there is always the possibility of changes in the roster that would require him to play this year. If he does play this year, the minutes would be limited.
Random Thought or Fact: Don Beebe attended Chadron State before being drafted by the Buffalo Bills. Later in his career, he would win a Super Bowl (appeared in six of them!) with the disgraceful Green Bay Packers.
Maverick Ahanmisi
Played at basketball factory Stoneridge (CA) with Enes Kanter last year after completing four years at Golden Valley High School (CA). Had planned to attend Boise St. a year ago but did not qualify. Doesn’t possess the athleticism and bounce of some of the other guys on the team, but can play steady… the question is whether or not he can play steady at this level. A combo guard, he showed the ability of score during high school but I would expect little from him this season.
Listed generously at 6’2”, he may see limited action at point guard during portions of the non-conference schedule.
Random Thought or Fact: As a child, walking the stairs throughout Williams Arena frightened me at times. I’m super tough now, though.
Chip Armelin
Armelin is an impressive athlete that, in addition to a solid basketball career at Sulphur high (LA), was a standout wide receiver during his senior year. Standing about 6’3”, he likes to shoot the ball when on offense. Has good spring to his step and will have his moments against lesser competition in limited minutes this early winter. However, his offensive tendencies may not work well in this offense and unless his defensive play is consistently impressive, I could see him getting a quick hook when he does make appearances in games. True, the Gophers do need go to scorers, but I don’t think Chip is the answer this year.
At a minimum, a fun player to watch that will occasionally impress during limited appearances… at best, a contributor who adds a scoring punch and aggressiveness on offense.
Random Thought or Fact: I like the fries at Sally’s.
Oto Osenieks
Oto is a 6’8” kid (actually a 20 year old freshman) who has often been described by Gopher media as a power forward, but who is much more of a wing. A capable shooter from outside the arc, he’ll need to work on his defensive skills to get minutes in the future. For 2010-11, he is a nonqualifier, will not be competing and loses a year of eligibility. However, a partial waiver has been received which will allow Osenieks to practice with the team this season. As long as his progress towards his degree stays on pace, he will be able to earn back the lost year of eligibility and play four years starting in 2011-12.
Random Thought or Fact: Between him and his brother, I think Oto got the better name. Something about the name Reinis is troubling.
Chris Halverson
6’8” forward that went to Sibley. Spent last year at Valparaiso where things did not work out well from a basketball perspective. Is now enrolled at the U and is a walk-on with the team. As a transfer, he is not allowed to play this season, but will be eligible for 3 years of competition with the Gophers beginning in 2011-12. Not at all a bad walk on. Could turn out to be a contributor.
Bryant Allen
Speedy six-foot point guard will again walk-on for the basketball team when the football season wraps up (officially wraps up, that is). Athletic kid out of Missouri who posted some impressive numbers on the hoop court during his high school days. Allen may get a chance to play a few minutes here and there, especially if the freshman combo guards are not ready. Did appear in 9 games last year, but in only 1 of those games did he play more than 5 minutes.
Dominique Dawson
Redshirt freshman walk-on.
-------------------------
Dreamt up scoring distribution:
Joseph 13 ppg
Hoffarber 12 ppg
Sampson 11 ppg
Mbakwe 9 ppg
Williams 8 ppg
Nolen 7 ppg
Iverson 6 ppg
Hollins 4 ppg
