BleedGopher
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Per the AP:
The first two years for Ben Johnson as head coach at his alma mater Minnesota were a struggle in many ways, with myriad injuries that made program development all the more challenging given the impact of the transfer portal and growing pains for a young team.
After going 22-39 overall and 6-33 in the Big Ten, there is pressure this season on Johnson to shepherd measurable progress even with external expectations never lower. They were picked to finish last in the preseason poll of media covering the conference.
For now, with the opener on Nov. 6 against Bethune-Cookman coming up, Johnson and his staff can start by relishing the fact that they finally have a full roster.
“Music to my ears,” Johnson said.
For the first time since he was hired to replace Richard Pitino, Johnson saw forwards Parker Fox and Isaiah Ihnen running five-on-five drills at the beginning of fall practice. Fox and Ihnen both suffered a torn ACL in an offseason workout in each of the last two years, relegating them to rehabilitation and encouragement roles and robbing the Gophers of badly needed depth.
When they take the court next month, Fox and Ihnen will see live action for the first time in 2 1/2 years. Fox, an NCAA Division II All-American at Northern State, has never even suited up for Minnesota.
“They’re hungrier than ever,” Johnson said.
apnews.com
Go Gophers!!
The first two years for Ben Johnson as head coach at his alma mater Minnesota were a struggle in many ways, with myriad injuries that made program development all the more challenging given the impact of the transfer portal and growing pains for a young team.
After going 22-39 overall and 6-33 in the Big Ten, there is pressure this season on Johnson to shepherd measurable progress even with external expectations never lower. They were picked to finish last in the preseason poll of media covering the conference.
For now, with the opener on Nov. 6 against Bethune-Cookman coming up, Johnson and his staff can start by relishing the fact that they finally have a full roster.
“Music to my ears,” Johnson said.
For the first time since he was hired to replace Richard Pitino, Johnson saw forwards Parker Fox and Isaiah Ihnen running five-on-five drills at the beginning of fall practice. Fox and Ihnen both suffered a torn ACL in an offseason workout in each of the last two years, relegating them to rehabilitation and encouragement roles and robbing the Gophers of badly needed depth.
When they take the court next month, Fox and Ihnen will see live action for the first time in 2 1/2 years. Fox, an NCAA Division II All-American at Northern State, has never even suited up for Minnesota.
“They’re hungrier than ever,” Johnson said.
The Gophers are happy with good health and a full roster after 2 painful seasons
The first two years for Ben Johnson as coach at his alma mater Minnesota were painful in many ways. Myriad injuries made program development all the more challenging given the impact of the transfer portal and growing pains for a young team.
apnews.com
Go Gophers!!
