BIG Game 17: Gophers host Michigan State, Feb 22nd!

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Whytetale said:
Watching the pre-game shoot around, Christian was on fire all around the three-point line. Must be her defense.
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Don't think Christian's D has been all that bad this year, especially with the few minutes and coming in cold all the time. Yes times she gets beat by quicker guards at times, but so does GG, Braun, Battle and even Tori does at times.
 

How spoiled we've got. Three years ago this team couldn't sniff an NCAA tourney bid with that joke coaching staff. Now we are top 25 and one of the better team's in the BIG10. All thanks to hiring a tremendous coach. Coach P has a team that is anchored in defense and she has tremendous BB IQ. She puts players in a position to be successful. She will continue to recruit the best players around the country (not the local MN players). That is how you succeed.
 

drewhaus7 said:
Don't think Christian's D has been all that bad this year, especially with the few minutes and coming in cold all the time. Yes times she gets beat by quicker guards at times, but so does GG, Braun, Battle and
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D isn’t only staying in front of your responsibility but also playing in the realm of the team D. You can get beat but get beat in the direction of the help D. If she is not getting that concept then she’s not helping the team defense. I’ve known Dawn since her Mich Tech days, you had better play defense well or you will struggle to see the floor. It’s who she is.
 

CoachJD said:
How spoiled we've got. Three years ago this team couldn't sniff an NCAA tourney bid with that joke coaching staff. Now we are top 25 and one of the better team's in the BIG10. All thanks to hiring a tremendous coach. Coach P has a team that is anchored in defense and she has tremendous BB IQ. She puts players in a position to be successful. She will continue to recruit the best players around the country (not the local MN players). That is how you succeed.
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We were 5-13 and 11th in the conference her first year... beat Illinois and we will be 13-5 in her third year and talking 4th or 5th seed in the BTT... she, and her staff, have my vote.
 

Outsider said:
D isn’t only staying in front of your responsibility but also playing in the realm of the team D. You can get beat but get beat in the direction of the help D. If she is not getting that concept then she’s not helping the team defense. I’ve known Dawn since her Mich Tech days, you had better play defense well or you will struggle to see the floor. It’s who she is.
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Some people think playing defense at the major college level is simply a matter of working hard and staying in front of your assignment. Probably one of the major factors in earning important minutes is whether you are instinctively executing all the team concepts (offense or defense) all week in practice. As in, understanding exactly where and when you need to be in what position with-out having to think about it for a 1/4 of a second or be reminded. Something that 3 and 4 year players have a major advantage over a freshman.

Some folks don't get that it's not always a matter of Braun or Battle or somebody else got beat on this play, and I wonder if McKenna might have done better if she'd been in there. It's a matter of, even if somebody made a great offensive move and beat our defender, Coach has seen her trusted players execute her system consistently for a couple of years in practice and games and trusts them to do it right. If you're a trusted Jr. or Sr., one mess-up probably isn't going to change the coaches mind. It's different for the brand new players. You may have noticed during the Mich. State game, that Tonga got pulled almost immediately every time she had a lapse in judgement or execution, while Hart, who's been working the system for 3 years now was given more rope. It's that way in almost all sports and honestly, it's that way in a work situation as well.

From what I've seen, I think Christian has a chance to be a bigger contributor next season. Repetitions done correctly over and over in practice is a big deal to earning non-garbage minutes to a lot of coaches. That may or may not be the deal with McKenna C, or it may be that Coach Dawn looks at her top 7 and feels, that for the most part, she has the players with a proven track record (in her mind) of doing things her way consistently.
 


Chico Gopher said:
Some people think playing defense at the major college level is simply a matter of working hard and staying in front of your assignment. Probably one of the major factors in earning important minutes is whether you are instinctively executing all the team concepts (offense or defense) all week in practice. As in, understanding exactly where and when you need to be in what position with-out having to think about it for a 1/4 of a second or be reminded. Something that 3 and 4 year players have a major advantage over a freshman.

Some folks don't get that it's not always a matter of Braun or Battle or somebody else got beat on this play, and I wonder if McKenna might have done better if she'd been in there. It's a matter of, even if somebody made a great offensive move and beat our defender, Coach has seen her trusted players execute her system consistently for a couple of years in practice and games and trusts them to do it right. If you're a trusted Jr. or Sr., one mess-up probably isn't going to change the coaches mind. It's different for the brand new players. You may have noticed during the Mich. State game, that Tonga got pulled almost immediately every time she had a lapse in judgement or execution, while Hart, who's been working the system for 3 years now was given more rope. It's that way in almost all sports and honestly, it's that way in a work situation as well.

From what I've seen, I think Christian has a chance to be a bigger contributor next season. Repetitions done correctly over and over in practice is a big deal to earning non-garbage minutes to a lot of coaches. That may or may not be the deal with McKenna C, or it may be that Coach Dawn looks at her top 7 and feels, that for the most part, she has the players with a proven track record (in her mind) of doing things her way consistently.
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I, too, hope McKenna can be a part of next year's team. She has a sweet shot.
 

The risk, in today's environment, is why would a player who rarely sees the floor her freshman year stick around to find out if she will her sophomore year?

Also, if I were calling the shots, SENIORS would be honored AFTER the game. Way too much emotion pre-game. Likely the last time players compete at Williams Arena. For four-year starter Battle and three-year starter Hart, this is a HUGE moment. One-year players like Glynn and Tongo less, but it is still a reminder that their college basketball playing days will soon be over.

I just don't think it makes sense to expect them to transition to a game-ready attitude in mere minutes. (So what if some of the fans leave. The fans who matter to the players will be there.)
 

Longtimegopherfan said:
The risk, in today's environment, is why would a player who rarely sees the floor her freshman year stick around to find out if she will her sophomore year?

Also, if I were calling the shots, SENIORS would be honored AFTER the game. Way too much emotion pre-game. Likely the last time players compete at Williams Arena. For four-year starter Battle and three-year starter Hart, this is a HUGE moment. One-year players like Glynn and Tongo less, but it is still a reminder that their college basketball playing days will soon be over.

I just don't think it makes sense to expect them to transition to a game-ready attitude in mere minutes. (So what if some of the fans leave. The fans who matter to the players will be there.)
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Well said.
 

Longtimegopherfan said:
The risk, in today's environment, is why would a player who rarely sees the floor her freshman year stick around to find out if she will her sophomore year?

Also, if I were calling the shots, SENIORS would be honored AFTER the game. Way too much emotion pre-game. Likely the last time players compete at Williams Arena. For four-year starter Battle and three-year starter Hart, this is a HUGE moment. One-year players like Glynn and Tongo less, but it is still a reminder that their college basketball playing days will soon be over.

I just don't think it makes sense to expect them to transition to a game-ready attitude in mere minutes. (So what if some of the fans leave. The fans who matter to the players will be there.)
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Also are we going to run into the same problem next year with two top scoreres coming in? Will they just sit the bench all year? I don't think Kussow will stick around if she is not playing. Tell will tell!
Go Gophs!
 



DietCokeFan said:
Also are we going to run into the same problem next year with two top scoreres coming in? Will they just sit the bench all year? I don't think Kussow will stick around if she is not playing. Tell will tell!
Go Gophs!
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Coach will sit the new recruits down when they come to town this summer and explain what they need to do to earn & keep regular playing time. Won't need to, but probably will also explain that they may have a couple of experienced players (Braun, Tori, GG) who have a big head start above them on the depth chart. Let's say, the freshmen come in and experience the same growing pains that Christian did in her first season, but coach keeps encouraging them to keep working and improving because we're counting on them being the future of this team.

You're telling me that if those players come in and don't do the work, earn the trust of the coaching staff and prove during the pre-season work-outs and practice that they are capable and willing of doing the things Coach P needs them to be able to do to help the team win, then bail because they weren't "Gifted"enough playing time as a freshman, that you actually still want them to be part of the program? I wouldn't. Guarantee that the new recruits have been told what their situation is as the newbies, understand (or at least told Coach P they understand) that there may or may not be playing time as a freshman on an tournament team with a core of talent coming back and by the time November comes around, will know what they need to do to see any significant floor time.

I don't know if Christian will start next season, but if her summer and fall work-outs/practice go well, I would expect her to be getting the 6th/7th man minutes next season. Similar to what Annika Stewart gave us last season, depending on match-ups. I mean, she passed Holloway on the depth chart this season. Of course, she's also probably aware that if somebody equal or better shows up in the portal and wants to be a Gopher, coach will certainly check it out.
 

Chico Gopher said:
Coach will sit the new recruits down when they come to town this summer and explain what they need to do to earn & keep regular playing time. Won't need to, but probably will also explain that they may have a couple of experienced players (Braun, Tori, GG) who have a big head start above them on the depth chart. Let's say, the freshmen come in and experience the same growing pains that Christian did in her first season, but coach keeps encouraging them to keep working and improving because we're counting on them being the future of this team.

You're telling me that if those players come in and don't do the work, earn the trust of the coaching staff and prove during the pre-season work-outs and practice that they are capable and willing of doing the things Coach P needs them to be able to do to help the team win, then bail because they weren't "Gifted"enough playing time as a freshman, that you actually still want them to be part of the program? I wouldn't. Guarantee that the new recruits have been told what their situation is as the newbies, understand (or at least told Coach P they understand) that there may or may not be playing time as a freshman on an tournament team with a core of talent coming back and by the time November comes around, will know what they need to do to see any significant floor time.

I don't know if Christian will start next season, but if her summer and fall work-outs/practice go well, I would expect her to be getting the 6th/7th man minutes next season. Similar to what Annika Stewart gave us last season, depending on match-ups. I mean, she passed Holloway on the depth chart this season. Of course, she's also probably aware that if somebody equal or better shows up in the portal and wants to be a Gopher, coach will certainly check it out.
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Valid points
 

McKenna Johnson isn't lighting it up at Butler (15 min, 6.5 pts, low shooting 33%/26%). Coach P probably correctly assessed her last year and conveyed she needs to develop more. So the question for any younger player is: Am I going to develop faster here with this coach but maybe less immediate playing time, or with another coach but more playing time? Sometimes a tough decision. I'm starting to see that Coach P can improve players, but they need the patience and engagement.
 

Aesop70 said:
McKenna Johnson isn't lighting it up at Butler (15 min, 6.5 pts, low shooting 33%/26%). Coach P probably correctly assessed her last year and conveyed she needs to develop more. So the question for any younger player is: Am I going to develop faster here with this coach but maybe less immediate playing time, or with another coach but more playing time? Sometimes a tough decision. I'm starting to see that Coach P can improve players, but they need the patience and engagement.
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You kinda nailed it.
 



With Battle and Hart leaving, we are losing about 35% of points from starting five. That scoring needs to be replaced. Any thoughts? Portal? Christian? Incoming freshman?
Can't believe Coach P recruits without intending them to play, but they must pay attention, learn and work.
 

AllEars said:
With Battle and Hart leaving, we are losing about 35% of points from starting five. That scoring needs to be replaced. Any thoughts? Portal? Christian? Incoming freshman?
Can't believe Coach P recruits without intending them to play, but they must pay attention, learn and work.
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Can’t remember who said it but I believe the plan is to portal shop for an experienced PG and a BIG since we will have two open scholarships.
 

Players out of eligibility replacements:

PG Battle: Tori Oehrlein gets that.

G Glenn: Replace with mid-level PG with experience as security in case Oehrlein takes time to be ready.

C/F Hart: Portal.

Competition. If Braun struggles, Kussow could win her spot. Otherwise Kussow's the 6th man getting starter minutes and then replaces Braun when Braun leaves in 1 more year.

Also, threat of GG lured away by big NIL money has cooled with her recent shooting.
 

WinMinGophers! said:
Players out of eligibility replacements:

PG Battle: Tori Oehrlein gets that.

G Glenn: Replace with mid-level PG with experience as security in case Oehrlein takes time to be ready.

C/F Hart: Portal.

Competition. If Braun struggles, Kussow could win her spot. Otherwise Kussow's the 6th man getting starter minutes and then replaces Braun when Braun leaves in 1 more year.

Also, threat of GG lured away by big NIL money has cooled with her recent shooting.
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They will bring in an experience PG to help run the team. Next year has a possibility of being better than this year. I don't see Oehrlein running the show, at least to start the season.
 

AllEars said:
With Battle and Hart leaving, we are losing about 35% of points from starting five. That scoring needs to be replaced. Any thoughts? Portal? Christian? Incoming freshman?
Can't believe Coach P recruits without intending them to play, but they must pay attention, learn and work.
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Interesting that you mention nothing about rebounding, defense, overall experience in Coach P's system or a similar system.
 

Chico Gopher said:
Interesting that you mention nothing about rebounding, defense, overall experience in Coach P's system or a similar system.
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I agree with everything you mentioned. It is all part of Coach P's system or any other coach's system with emphasis on different parts. I was only pointing out the loss of scoring.
 

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DietCokeFan said:
They will bring in an experience PG to help run the team. Next year has a possibility of being better than this year. I don't see Oehrlein running the show, at least to start the season.
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Unless I am missing something, I don't see anybody 'running the show' this year. We have and use five players to bring the ball up court. I see the system evolving to a Post player and four other multi-purpose players doing different roles as needed... all with the ability to rebound, score, play defense, etc. Of course, each would have different strengths.
If we are reverting back to a traditional PG system and the Coach shops the portal for that individual as a starter, if I were Christian, Tori, or Kussow I would bail.
I can seeing shopping the portal for an experienced back-to-the-basket post similar to Hart, that can fit into Coach P's system.
 

Oerhlein has been on the national radar for a couple of years. She's a skilled option in the backcourt with the size to play on or off the basketball in the modern day game. That said, Oerhlein has always been comfortable playing the point position. That will be my longterm projection for her at the college level. She can make open shots, quarterback a team and brings an IQ to the floor that most of her peers can't match at this stage of their prep careers.


 

DietCokeFan said:
They will bring in an experience PG to help run the team. Next year has a possibility of being better than this year. I don't see Oehrlein running the show, at least to start the season.
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Wouldn’t Liv Mcgil be the dream. Hopkins star, friends and teammates with Woodson since HS. 9th in the nation in scoring. Florida probably missing the tournament for the second straight year. Obviously don’t know the NIL situation for women’s bball
 

Gophermangeek said:
Wouldn’t Liv Mcgil be the dream. Hopkins star, friends and teammates with Woodson since HS. 9th in the nation in scoring. Florida probably missing the tournament for the second straight year. Obviously don’t know the NIL situation for women’s bball
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Would seem like one to look after. Be interesting to see if Oehrlein has the speed and ball handling ability to run the point in big 10 play? First rooting to see this season finish strong!
 

Gophermangeek said:
Wouldn’t Liv Mcgil be the dream. Hopkins star, friends and teammates with Woodson since HS. 9th in the nation in scoring. Florida probably missing the tournament for the second straight year. Obviously don’t know the NIL situation for women’s bball
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I've been thinking the same thing...
 

If we can finish the overall season strong (beat IL, make the semis in the BIG, win at least one if not 2 games in the dance) I'd think that we'll get looked at by some of the top PG and posts in the portal. Not necessarily the very top, they'll want a final 4 team and money (like Kneepens did this year). But we could have a shot at the #3-5 PG and #3-5 posts in the portal. It would be nice to have some legit depth and not just serviceable transfers.
 

Coach P played pretty much a 7 man rotation. That said Holloway, Bershers, Klick, and Senden didn't get a lot of playing time. Are they going to stick around? Like Johnson, Christian could go. Woodson stays, but wouldn't be surprised to see a couple of the others bail. It will be interesting to see if money lures either of this years starters. What does this say about developing talent? Still got a lot of basketball yet to play this year.
 

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