After the Cooper commit: Constructing the roster.

[cheeseheadgophfan]

I'm hoping that's not the case. I think playing Ihnen at the 3 would be an absolute disaster. He doesn't have the handles of a wing and he would destroy spacing.

I'm not saying it won't happen, but if Ihnen gets regular minutes at the 3, I think it's a really bad sign of our ability to construct a roster.

I'm not necessary disagreeing with you.....but for any of us to speak in absolutes about Ihnen is silly. We haven't seen him play in 1.5 years......I would hope he (and the coaching staff) have been working on his handles, especially when it's one of the few things you can work on when you're out with a knee injury.

 

[alchemy2u]

The fun of finally having a deep roster!!

 

[Fleckoff]

He's not going to take PT from anyone. He's going to be in a regular rotation of bigs to keep five guys fresh and strong 40 minutes. He will start some and come off the bench some. Either way he averages 20-plus a night.

The only way your take has legs would be if his recovery has not been good or if he hurts his knee again playing, as in the six year journey through land mines and sniper fire of Eric Curry.

Curry played because there weren't any options, there are now better options then Ihnen, it's really not that hard when you break it down.. What do you want to bet that he will not start a game for us next year?

 

[Fleckoff]

We could only dream of having so much talent that Ihnen would be relegated to 9th man playing four minutes. The reality is he will play 20 minutes or more as sometimes starter and otherwise speller of three big men starters from the bench.

Don't know if coach will play 10 men once we get into conference. More likely he will rotate eight for most of the minutes. The beauty of having real depth is that it will not always be the same eight. Injury, sick, foul trouble, match ups, and cold hand / hot hand calculations will move a different guy or two up to the rotation some nights.

You think it's a pipe dream to replace a guy who shot 25% from three, whose too slow to guard three's and too weak to guard four's and five's, who missed a year with a torn ACL?

 

[Fleckoff]

My stab at minutes: I am still assuming a wing and combo guard addition.

Post Fox 22. Payne 18
Stretch 4. Garcia 28. Thompson 6. Ihnen 6
Wing/ Combo Forward. Battle 30. ihnen 10
Wing/shooting guard. Stewart/ Walton type 25. Combo guard or Carrington or Henley 15
PG Cooper 25. Combo guard or Carrington 15

We're going to get roasted in those ten minutes Ihnen plays on the perimeter, he's too slow

 

[Fleckoff]

How do you know Payne is better than him?

I think Ihnen and Fox come close to splitting minutes and then Payne will have to battle Treyton for the backup 5 minutes which will be less than 10.

Even though he wasn’t shooting great, Ihnen has always been very very effective at getting offensive rebounds, blocks and deflections with his length at the least.

Is this sarcasm? (If you're smart you'll say yes)

 

[Roland Brooks]

 

[bga1]

The fun of finally having a deep roster!!

Deep at the 3,4,5 positions...1 and 2 need work yet. The bigs will have to compete for time and that's a good thing.

 

[Dakota2]

Curry played because there weren't any options, there are now better options then Ihnen, it's really not that hard when you break it down.. What do you want to bet that he will not start a game for us next year?

Since neither one of us will be asked to fill out the starting lineup for any game next year, who knows? If Fox is dynamic from Day 1, he may start every game leaving no starts for Ihnen. Or it could go experimentally in non-conference to find the right starting combination.

We had other options last year in Thompson and the Fiddler. We went with an impaired Curry for obvious reasons. Nobody knows whether Thompson will move from theoretical option to real option next year.

I believe Ihnen (assuming full recovery) has the talent and skills to be a regular part of the rotation, either subbing at several spots or starting some of the time. The latter is still a bit up in the air because we don't know what more might be added from the portal.

 

[go_gophers]

I've always been a man-to-man guy, but appreciate that Ben was able to switch things up defensively to keep opponents off-balance. I could see Ihnen (and Thompson) seeing minutes when we go zone.

My biggest issue with Ihnen in the past was that he was clueless as an off the ball man defender. Zones still have responsibilities and require awareness, but some of those deficiencies can be masked more easily in a zone.

 

[MNVCGUY]

Are we certain Fox will be ready to go full speed ahead after his injury?

He seemed close to coming back late in the season so not sure why he wouldn't be ready to go for the start of next season.

 

[Dakota2]

You think it's a pipe dream to replace a guy who shot 25% from three, whose too slow to guard three's and too weak to guard four's and five's, who missed a year with a torn ACL?

Absolutely, because your premise is crap. He is a better defensive player than you describe and might be offensively better suited to inside than threes. He is long and athletic and will be a decent or better interior defender/rebounder/shot blocker.

 

[Roland Brooks]

Fox and Ihnen are both question marks. Fox is coming off the ACL is not a great shooter and so with his back to the basket game. He has mad hops but at 210 lbs it will be interesting to see how his offensive game and rebounding ability will translate.

The athleticism is very intriguing. Hopefully his perimeter shooting has improved. Going over the top of someone from Moorhead St or Sioux Falls college who is 6’6 won’t be the same as power 5 basketball obviously… he will bring energy and passion which will go a long way.

 

[Roland Brooks]

Ihnen his freshman year was the second fastest Gopher per a former assistant.. I have questions about Ihnen like Fleckoff does.. IMO he needs some good coaching and confidence… getting yanked and yelled didn’t seem to help his development.

He is coming off injury hopefully that doesn’t a affect the lateral quickness too much

 

[Dakota2]

Fox and Ihnen are both question marks. Fox is coming off the ACL is not a great shooter and so with his back to the basket game. He has mad hops but at 210 lbs it will be interesting to see how his offensive game and rebounding ability will translate.

The athleticism is very intriguing. Hopefully his perimeter shooting has improved. Going over the top of someone from Moorhead St or Sioux Falls college who is 6’6 won’t be the same as power 5 basketball obviously… he will bring energy and passion which will go a long way.

All of the qualifiers and caution would make sense for Fox except for the fact 50 D1 coaches wanted him from the portal. I didn't see him play other than spectacular clips but my expectation is based purely on the level of attention he drew in the portal.

 

[Roland Brooks]

Let’s hope so. I would love it

 

[leib0039]

Fox and Ihnen are both question marks. Fox is coming off the ACL is not a great shooter and so with his back to the basket game. He has mad hops but at 210 lbs it will be interesting to see how his offensive game and rebounding ability will translate.

The athleticism is very intriguing. Hopefully his perimeter shooting has improved. Going over the top of someone from Moorhead St or Sioux Falls college who is 6’6 won’t be the same as power 5 basketball obviously… he will bring energy and passion which will go a long way.

I think this is a good take. To me as of today we have 3 "known" quantities. Battle/Garcia/Cooper. I think a lot of us like the idea of what Fox could bring, we like Ihnen's all-around potential, we like the size/skill of Payne, and Carrington/Henley have the look of good contributors. However, none of us (and honestly maybe not even the coaches as of today) have a real idea how those guys will play at the P5 level as freshman or coming off injuries. I am sure if you went back 1 year from today most everyone thought TT would play in more than 19 games and more than 8min a game in those. By the same token, who knows maybe JOJ played with some elite high school players and surprises and gets 15 min a game, maybe Henley was a gem no one saw coming and plays 25-30 a night. Maybe TT makes a jump and gets 20min a game, and on the other side maybe Ihnen/Fox just arent the same after ACL injuries, maybe Carrington/Henley/Thiam arent ready yet. So again to me I feel like we have 3 guys locked into about 90 min total, the other 110min are kind of a crapshoot to me. I will say I think if we are able to add 2 PG/CG types in the portal yet I like our depth. Gives the team some options if one guy doesnt pan out or we suffer an injury, we dont appear headed to relying on a player who has no business on the floor, that will be a welcome change.

 

[fan of Ray Williams]

Are we certain Fox will be ready to go full speed ahead after his injury?

C'mon man. On ice!

 

[GopherWeatherGuy]

Fox and Ihnen are both question marks. Fox is coming off the ACL is not a great shooter and so with his back to the basket game. He has mad hops but at 210 lbs it will be interesting to see how his offensive game and rebounding ability will translate.

The athleticism is very intriguing. Hopefully his perimeter shooting has improved. Going over the top of someone from Moorhead St or Sioux Falls college who is 6’6 won’t be the same as power 5 basketball obviously… he will bring energy and passion which will go a long way.

Fox hasn't proven to be much of an outside shooter, but he's a good slasher and driver, and great around the rim. Jordan Murphy wasn't an outside shooter either, and of any past player Fox is most comparable to, it's Murphy.

I don't think he'll put up the numbers that Murphy did, but Fox is a taller, slightly faster, but lighter version of him.

 

[xxxdog]

I would not sleep on Josh Ola Joesph having no impact {bench minutes} on the Gophers roster...Nationally recognized Compass Prep Arz. , where Joesph played 2021-2022...List the Gopher recruit at 6-7 & 220lbs with 40 inch vertical and Finished the year as their top rebounder....Compass entire starting lineup have signed with major college programs...JOJ is physically tough inside, quick first step and can leap out of the gym...He plays a little similar Jordan Murphy physically, but more above the rim.....A true sleeper, who will improve each year at Minnesota....

 

[fan of Ray Williams]

I would not sleep on Josh Ola Joesph having no impact {bench minutes} on the Gophers roster...Nationally recognized Compass Prep Arz. , where Joesph played 2021-2022...List the Gopher recruit at 6-7 & 220lbs with 40 inch vertical and Finished the year as their top rebounder....Compass entire starting lineup have signed with major college programs...JOJ is physically tough inside, quick first step and can leap out of the gym...He plays a little similar Jordan Murphy physically, but more above the rim.....A true sleeper, who will improve each year at Minnesota....

Can I ask where you are seeing that?
I found this, which shows him about 6th or 7th in rebounds per game, but it also shows the leading scorer to have played 23 games and when it comes to rebounding the leader has 13 games. So some discrepancies.

HOME

www.theseasonticket.com

 

[GFBfan]

I think this is a good take. To me as of today we have 3 "known" quantities. Battle/Garcia/Cooper. I think a lot of us like the idea of what Fox could bring, we like Ihnen's all-around potential, we like the size/skill of Payne, and Carrington/Henley have the look of good contributors. However, none of us (and honestly maybe not even the coaches as of today) have a real idea how those guys will play at the P5 level as freshman or coming off injuries. I am sure if you went back 1 year from today most everyone thought TT would play in more than 19 games and more than 8min a game in those. By the same token, who knows maybe JOJ played with some elite high school players and surprises and gets 15 min a game, maybe Henley was a gem no one saw coming and plays 25-30 a night. Maybe TT makes a jump and gets 20min a game, and on the other side maybe Ihnen/Fox just arent the same after ACL injuries, maybe Carrington/Henley/Thiam arent ready yet. So again to me I feel like we have 3 guys locked into about 90 min total, the other 110min are kind of a crapshoot to me. I will say I think if we are able to add 2 PG/CG types in the portal yet I like our depth. Gives the team some options if one guy doesnt pan out or we suffer an injury, we dont appear headed to relying on a player who has no business on the floor, that will be a welcome change.

With Carrington and Henley coming in, adding two more PG/CG types would potentially limit their development this coming year. One more PG type would make more sense and as others have said it should be a guy who has some quickness.

 

[bga1]

Can I ask where you are seeing that?
I found this, which shows him about 6th or 7th in rebounds per game, but it also shows the leading scorer to have played 23 games and when it comes to rebounding the leader has 13 games. So some discrepancies.

HOME

www.theseasonticket.com

It sure doesn't look like he played much at all.

 

[Costa Rican Gopher]

Lol he just tore his ACL in a year that he badly needed to establish himself, he has shown to be too slow to guard wings on the perimeter, he has a slow high arching shot from deep. I think he can battle on the inside, but quite frankly Fox, Payne and Garcia are all better than him. I don't see a path right now where he gets more than eight minutes a game

How do you know Fox is better than Ihnen? Ihnen's game hasn't lived up to his potential yet, but he's had some impressive games/moments in the B1G. Fox has never played a single minute of D1 basketball, much less B1G basketball, and like Ihnen is also coming of a serious knee injury. Also Fox, unlike Ihnen, depends on his explosiveness at the rim to get the job done. I actually agree with you that Fox will probably contribute more this season, but at this point I don't it should be stated as a matter of fact.

Ihnen is what he is: A 'stretch 4', or 'skilled big'. He's mobile for a 6'9" player, has a nice stroke from long range, can defend other stretch 4's, when he comes into the lane on defense he has the length to gather some defensive rebounds, and block some shots. I think it's important to accept him for what he is, rather than lament him not being to play/defend the 3, or dream of him becoming a banger under the basket.

 

[Dakota2]

I think this is a good take. To me as of today we have 3 "known" quantities. Battle/Garcia/Cooper. I think a lot of us like the idea of what Fox could bring, we like Ihnen's all-around potential, we like the size/skill of Payne, and Carrington/Henley have the look of good contributors. However, none of us (and honestly maybe not even the coaches as of today) have a real idea how those guys will play at the P5 level as freshman or coming off injuries. I am sure if you went back 1 year from today most everyone thought TT would play in more than 19 games and more than 8min a game in those. By the same token, who knows maybe JOJ played with some elite high school players and surprises and gets 15 min a game, maybe Henley was a gem no one saw coming and plays 25-30 a night. Maybe TT makes a jump and gets 20min a game, and on the other side maybe Ihnen/Fox just arent the same after ACL injuries, maybe Carrington/Henley/Thiam arent ready yet. So again to me I feel like we have 3 guys locked into about 90 min total, the other 110min are kind of a crapshoot to me. I will say I think if we are able to add 2 PG/CG types in the portal yet I like our depth. Gives the team some options if one guy doesnt pan out or we suffer an injury, we dont appear headed to relying on a player who has no business on the floor, that will be a welcome change.

Don't think we will ever see a guy on the floor who has no business being there while a game is still on the line.

 

[GopherWeatherGuy]

How do you know Fox is better than Ihnen? Ihnen's game hasn't lived up to his potential yet, but he's had some impressive games/moments in the B1G. Fox has never played a single minute of D1 basketball, much less B1G basketball, and like Ihnen is also coming of a serious knee injury. Also Fox, unlike Ihnen, depends on his explosiveness at the rim to get the job done. I actually agree with you that Fox will probably contribute more this season, but at this point I don't it should be stated as a matter of fact.

Ihnen is what he is: A 'stretch 4', or 'skilled big'. He's mobile for a 6'9" player, has a nice stroke from long range, can defend other stretch 4's, when he comes into the lane on defense he has the length to gather some defensive rebounds, and block some shots. I think it's important to accept him for what he is, rather than lament him not being to play/defend the 3, or dream of him becoming a banger under the basket.

What are these impressive games/moments from Ihnen?

In his best games in his last season he had 12 points and 10 rebounds in a 19 point loss @Penn St.
He had 12 and 7 in a 13 point loss @Maryland
He had 10 and 10 in a home win against St. Louis

After that St Louis game he was scoreless in 9 of the next 11 B1G games. He went 6 games in a row without scoring a point.

This is what impresses people about Ihnen?

 

[Dakota2]

Fox hasn't proven to be much of an outside shooter, but he's a good slasher and driver, and great around the rim. Jordan Murphy wasn't an outside shooter either, and of any past player Fox is most comparable to, it's Murphy.

I don't think he'll put up the numbers that Murphy did, but Fox is a taller, slightly faster, but lighter version of him.

Also keep in mind that while Murph was a master at getting position and was a relentless battler, he had average hops. Fox, at a long 6"8 has extraordinary vertical. Have to believe Thorson has him living with Murphy tapes to see how it's done.

 

[Dakota2]

What are these impressive games/moments from Ihnen?

In his best games in his last season he had 12 points and 10 rebounds in a 19 point loss @Penn St.
He had 12 and 7 in a 13 point loss @Maryland
He had 10 and 10 in a home win against St. Louis

After that St Louis game he was scoreless in 9 of the next 11 B1G games. He went 6 games in a row without scoring a point.

This is what impresses people about Ihnen?

He played as a freshman too. Remember?

The biggest advantage Ihnen now has is playing for a good coach. Should make a world of difference.

 

[Costa Rican Gopher]

What are these impressive games/moments from Ihnen?

In his best games in his last season he had 12 points and 10 rebounds in a 19 point loss @Penn St.
He had 12 and 7 in a 13 point loss @Maryland
He had 10 and 10 in a home win against St. Louis

After that St Louis game he was scoreless in 9 of the next 11 B1G games. He went 6 games in a row without scoring a point.

This is what impresses people about Ihnen?

I find myself in the awkward position of defending Isaiah Ihnen. A guy I'm usually criticized for being too hard on.

I'm certainly not "impressed" by Isaiah Ihnen thus far, so perhaps "impressive" was the wrong word to describe those limited games/flashes I mentioned? "Hopeful", or "Positive" would have probably been better adjectives.

My point is that Ihnen, who's game has not caught up to his potential, has at least notched a couple double-doubles, and a 12/7 game against B1G, or high major competition, while Fox has yet to play a minute of D1 basketball.

 

[Gophs24]

I would not sleep on Josh Ola Joesph having no impact {bench minutes} on the Gophers roster...Nationally recognized Compass Prep Arz. , where Joesph played 2021-2022...List the Gopher recruit at 6-7 & 220lbs with 40 inch vertical and Finished the year as their top rebounder....Compass entire starting lineup have signed with major college programs...JOJ is physically tough inside, quick first step and can leap out of the gym...He plays a little similar Jordan Murphy physically, but more above the rim.....A true sleeper, who will improve each year at Minnesota....

yeah he isnt getting any run this year.....too many dogs ahead of him and he has a long ways to go before he can be counted on as a big ten contributor