Analysis: Can the next Gophers men’s basketball coach sell himself to the state of Minnesota like P.J. Fleck?

[BleedGopher]

Per Marcus:

“We need somebody who embraces Minnesota,” Coyle said. “Doing it right in Minnesota matters. Promoting our institution. Promoting our athletics program, the many benefits we have, and we need somebody who is going to generate excitement.”

Salesmanship works​

Fleck wowed media and fans watching his first news conference in January 2017 with his never-ending enthusiasm, but he still missed early on signing a few of the state’s top prospects.

Not taking no for an answer, Fleck turned the corner, signing four of the top five in-state recruits in 2023 and five of the top eight in 2024.

Another key example​

Asking any coach, let alone Johnson’s replacement, to be a rah-rah guy at Fleck’s level might be far-fetched. But working as hard on coaching as growing public support might be beneficial, especially before the winning really comes.

Analysis: Can the next Gophers men’s basketball coach sell himself to Minnesotans like P.J. Fleck?

As Colorado State’s Niko Medved emerges as the favorite, it’s clear in-state salesmanship will be key for athletic director Mark Coyle’s hire.

www.startribune.com

Go Gophers!!

 

[GopherNuts]

“At the end of the day, when you’re winning games, people want to be a part of that,” Coyle said.

It begins and ends with that. PJ finished in the top 10 and locals have been lining up ever since. There’s been such an emphasis on bringing someone in who can keep local players home out of the gate but we have it backwards, locals know the program in and out, they won’t be swayed by someone selling them hopes and dreams which is what Ben was and Pitino before him.

Medved could be quiet as a church mouse and if he starts making tournament appearances by years 3-4 (sooner would be great too!), more locals outside of Lakeville will give the Badgers the bird, the consistent group of die hards will grow and out of that, NIL money will follow.

 

[MaxyJR1]

Tim Miles. “Niko is one of one.” We got our PJ.