Gopher-centric Portal Short List

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GopherWeatherGuy said:
You're too concerned about replacing a 'Reynolds role'. They're not trying to, and don't need to find a replica for him. He was just a one year player that had his strengths and flaws.
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100% this.

Reynolds has an incredibly unique skill set. He is a large guard who can handle the ball, defend and cannot shoot at all. You don't look for a player in Reynolds' mold. You look for players who can replace the things he provided.
 


Bob_Loblaw said:
100% this.

Reynolds has an incredibly unique skill set. He is a large guard who can handle the ball, defend and cannot shoot at all. You don't look for a player in Reynolds' mold. You look for players who can replace the things he provided.
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lol. You guys are arguing semantics that literally no one is disagreeing with.
 

BballJones said:
So would the ideal next commits be Matas and Bruns? Bruns seems to have a lot of interest.
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Matas. We already have Bruns types on the roster although they don't have his record of collegiate accomplishments. Plus Bruns appears to have been hurt as he didn't play after mid-January. We had bad luck with that sort of thing last year.
 


TwistingMyMelon said:
Matas. We already have Bruns types on the roster although they don't have his record of collegiate accomplishments. Plus Bruns appears to have been hurt as he didn't play after mid-January. We had bad luck with that sort of thing last year.
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And we’re bringing in at least one with similar history of injury.
 

Bob_Loblaw said:
100% this.

Reynolds has an incredibly unique skill set. He is a large guard who can handle the ball, defend and cannot shoot at all. You don't look for a player in Reynolds' mold. You look for players who can replace the things he provided.
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Reynolds was your prototypical unicorn player. Some really good skills but mixed oddly. I enjoyed watching him play even though early in the season I thought he was going to be a turnover machine. He righted the ship.
 

Taking the long view: considering where the program is and where we’d like to go, I like the type of players that they’ve signed via the portal.

As people are throwing out prospective lineups, I’ve thought about what we have currently is veerrry thin on experience.

Career minutes starting lineup:
Durkin - 3092
JCJ - 2323
Asuma - 1923
Evans - 1891
Grove - 659

Youngsters coming off the bench:
Shinholster? - 407
Groves - 133
Kordel - 58
Grady - 54
Anderson - 0
Tomes - 0
Mpoyi - 0

As others have suggested, it would be nice with the last portal spot or two to get a player with some experience. While certainly the kids need experience and will hopefully be able to contribute some, if anyone in that starting lineup misses extended time, we’ll be in a world of hurt as a team too.
 

Talent along with experience is desired. But as Oatmeal and 50 suggest and illustrate, players transform once they have the opportunity for PT as they are allowed to build on their strengths and talent.. Tyson, Reynolds, Hawkins and Payton Willis were some recent examples. Hopefully at least one or all of Groves, Grady and Kordel respond along with the frosh. And Evans after being suppressed the past season.

At this point, we have little understanding of what to expect this coming season. Just like this past season, Niko's team this November will bear nothing but a mere resemblance to what it will look like in March 2027. But who knows if what we have may or may not be sufficient to deserve the post season.
 



Oatmeal Savage said:
Taking the long view: considering where the program is and where we’d like to go, I like the type of players that they’ve signed via the portal.

As people are throwing out prospective lineups, I’ve thought about what we have currently is veerrry thin on experience.

Career minutes starting lineup:
Durkin - 3092
JCJ - 2323
Asuma - 1923
Evans - 1891
Grove - 659

Youngsters coming off the bench:
Shinholster? - 407
Groves - 133
Kordel - 58
Grady - 54
Anderson - 0
Tomes - 0
Mpoyi - 0

As others have suggested, it would be nice with the last portal spot or two to get a player with some experience. While certainly the kids need experience and will hopefully be able to contribute some, if anyone in that starting lineup misses extended time, we’ll be in a world of hurt as a team too.
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Right or wrong, that's what I've been thinking, too. Right or wrong, I wouldn't mind if he/they were (a) mid-major transfer(s).
 

Bayfield Gopher said:
Talent along with experience is desired. But as Oatmeal and 50 suggest and illustrate, players transform once they have the opportunity for PT as they are allowed to build on their strengths and talent.. Tyson, Reynolds, Hawkins and Payton Willis were some recent examples. Hopefully at least one or all of Groves, Grady and Kordel respond along with the frosh. And Evans after being suppressed the past season.

At this point, we have little understanding of what to expect this coming season. Just like this past season, Niko's team this November will bear nothing but a mere resemblance to what it will look like in March 2027. But who knows if what we have may or may not be sufficient to deserve the post season.
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Hawkins was successful from the beginning of his career as a 4-year starter. Cade Tyson was a freshman player of the year and was a force at Belmont for 2 years. Reynolds started all 34 games as a junior at UNCO and scored 16/game before coming to the Gophers. Willis may be a decent example, but his junior year was pretty pedestrian for a 30 min/game player.

I agree we need a couple more proven, experienced players with our last couple roster spots to blend in with this high potential group.
 

Maybe the named examples wasn't perfect on my part but my point is talent needs an opportunity to be developed, not suppressed. Is the talent there? Are Groves, Grady, Kordel and the frosh the talent we need? We shall see. Is the opportunity there? I believe it is. Niko understands that it all starts with talent. Then add in coaching, culture and experience,

The outcome? Stay tuned.
 

It be gr
Beerculees said:
I don't think Matas ends up here. He is worried about PT. My guess is we get more depth pieces at this point. I'd assume most of ou
Beerculees said:
I don't think Matas ends up here. He is worried about PT. My guess is we get more depth pieces at this point. I'd assume most of our $ is allocated.
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It be great if we have enough money and Matas did wind up with us but you are likely correct he will go elsewhere and our NIL money is low so we likely may pick up players to add depth!
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Bayfield Gopher said:
Talent along with experience is desired. But as Oatmeal and 50 suggest and illustrate, players transform once they have the opportunity for PT as they are allowed to build on their strengths and talent.. Tyson, Reynolds, Hawkins and Payton Willis were some recent examples. Hopefully at least one or all of Groves, Grady and Kordel respond along with the frosh. And Evans after being suppressed the past season.

At this point, we have little understanding of what to expect this coming season. Just like this past season, Niko's team this November will bear nothing but a mere resemblance to what it will look like in March 2027. But who knows if what we have may or may not be sufficient to deserve the post season.
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The contrast is interesting...in year one Niko recruited mid major guys who started and had some good production....double figures in points or the like. I'm sure he saw more potential in them to elevate their games with his coaching. More than anything...it didn't work because too many of them got hurt.

Now, in year two...we have flipped the script, changed course and focused on guys with possible greater, higher potential individually but with no college production. Interesting...

Because Groves and Grady were highly rated just a year ago...and a 7'2" big is not going to be cheap...seems unlikely we saved money with our change in philosophy. Yet, there are still a 1,000 guys in the portal with decent college game day experience stats off the bench or from mid major, lower level programs. And, the majority of these guys have very limited bargaining power at this point. Was it a conscience decision or did it just evolve because of opportunity and an early emphasis on following up on last year's pursuit with Groves?

Which way is going to turn out better?
 
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Scottsdale Gopher said:
Plenty of speculation about Shinholster as he hasn't made a public announcement about his return. But I did notice the program shared this graphic last week that included him. It'd be a bit strange for them to do so if they had doubts about his plans.

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I hope he stays. I think a lot of potential.
 


60's Guy said:
The contrast is interesting...in year one Niko recruited mid major guys who started and had some good production....double figures in points or the like. I'm sure he saw more potential in them to elevate their games with his coaching. More than anything...it didn't work because too many of them got hurt.

Now, in year two...we have flipped the script, changed course and focused on guys with possible greater, higher potential individually but with no college production. Interesting...

Because Groves and Grady were highly rated just a year ago...and a 7'2" big is not going to be cheap...seems unlikely we saved money with our change in philosophy. Yet, there are still a 1,000 guys in the portal with decent college game day experience stats off the bench or from mid major, lower level programs. And, the majority of these guys have very limited bargaining power at this point. Was it a conscience decision or did it just evolve because of opportunity and an early emphasis on following up on last year's pursuit with Groves?

Which way is going to turn out better?
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Never know for sure, but id guess some of the year 1 strategy was just being at a new school and getting started after others due to timing. Year 1 get some vets, establish a culture, try to win some games, show things like #1 assist % in the country. And then that brings back fans, makes recruiting easier, gets more $$. Then year 2 more established and comfortable try to find a bit more upside with multiple years left type guys knowing you have some equity built up now. Just a guess
 

60's Guy said:
The contrast is interesting...in year one Niko recruited mid major guys who started and had some good production....double figures in points or the like. I'm sure he saw more potential in them to elevate their games with his coaching. More than anything...it didn't work because too many of them got hurt.

Now, in year two...we have flipped the script, changed course and focused on guys with possible greater, higher potential individually but with no college production. Interesting...

Because Groves and Grady were highly rated just a year ago...and a 7'2" big is not going to be cheap...seems unlikely we saved money with our change in philosophy. Yet, there are still a 1,000 guys in the portal with decent college game day experience stats off the bench or from mid major, lower level programs. And, the majority of these guys have very limited bargaining power at this point. Was it a conscience decision or did it just evolve because of opportunity and an early emphasis on following up on last year's pursuit with Groves?

Which way is going to turn out better?
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His single biggest hit last year was rehabilitating Tyson.

I’m sure part of it is just who is available /interested…but since we are retaining a core of JCJ/Asuma/Durkin, all who have 3 years of experience and fit his system…I love that we are going for some more rehab projects with high potential upside. And at least Kyan Evans has had success in his system.
 

Scottsdale Gopher said:
Plenty of speculation about Shinholster as he hasn't made a public announcement about his return. But I did notice the program shared this graphic last week that included him. It'd be a bit strange for them to do so if they had doubts about his plans.

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The strange part of that graphic is why they put Shinholster on it and not Asuma. Reynolds was the team leader, Asuma was second and then there is a wide gap between them and everyone else on the roster.

I wonder if someone in the graphics department just messed up because it doesn't make sense to include the guy who came in 7th on the team in assists and barely finished ahead of a guy who only played 7 games on a graphic touting the teams assist rate.
 

MNVCGUY said:
The strange part of that graphic is why they put Shinholster on it and not Asuma. Reynolds was the team leader, Asuma was second and then there is a wide gap between them and everyone else on the roster.

I wonder if someone in the graphics department just messed up because it doesn't make sense to include the guy who came in 7th on the team in assists and barely finished ahead of a guy who only played 7 games on a graphic touting the teams assist rate.
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Maybe they wanted to prop him up a bit if he was waivering.
 

MNVCGUY said:
I wonder if someone in the graphics department just messed up because it doesn't make sense to include the guy who came in 7th on the team in assists and barely finished ahead of a guy who only played 7 games on a graphic touting the teams assist rate.
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I think this is the most likely explanation...I doubt Niko is playing 4D chess with this twitter post.
 

At this point, I hope they bring him back. Kai looked the part, never had the deer-in-the-headlights look, and was active on D. The shot looks good, just couldn't get it to fall.

Plus, a little more continuity wouldn't be the worst thing.
 

MNVCGUY said:
I wonder if someone in the graphics department just messed up because it doesn't make sense to include the guy who came in 7th on the team in assists and barely finished ahead of a guy who only played 7 games on a graphic touting the teams assist rate.
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I think "messing up" in this context would have been including Willis. I doubt Niko is reviewing social media graphics, but it seems pretty easy to approve a list of players that can be included in marketing messaging. I'd submit this as evidence that Shinholster is on that list and is set to return, but I guess we'll know for certain in a little more than 24 hours.
 

topos said:
At this point, I hope they bring him back. Kai looked the part, never had the deer-in-the-headlights look, and was active on D. The shot looks good, just couldn't get it to fall.

Plus, a little more continuity wouldn't be the worst thing.
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I’m agree. Kai was a freshman and was above average on D. On O he made some ill advised passes that worked in high school, but not DI. And his shot was often hit the rim just short of scoring. The short shot can come from not quite literally n tune with the speed of the game and strength. Both can be corrected.
 

I know some will disagree. But the offensive potential of our team is looking very good. Lots of shooters, some that can create a bit, and what looks like good depth.

We weren't the most athletic team last year, and I don't see great athleticism in the newcomers. What Reynolds provided in the toughness department, physicality, creativity to get to the rim and finish or find others, individual defense, I don't see on the roster yet. That would be my one ask.
 

march madness said:
I know some will disagree. But the offensive potential of our team is looking very good. Lots of shooters, some that can create a bit, and what looks like good depth.

We weren't the most athletic team last year, and I don't see great athleticism in the newcomers. What Reynolds provided in the toughness department, physicality, creativity to get to the rim and finish or find others, individual defense, I don't see on the roster yet. That would be my one ask.
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The tricky part for a lot of fans is that believing the guys we are bringing in will be good requires hope and trust which are things many struggle with.

Kordel, Groves and Grady don't have proven track records at the college level and Evans was good not great at CSU and then a mess last year with UNC. The true freshman are complete wild cards as true freshman almost always are.

I agree with you in that there is a ton of potential with this group and I am willing to trust in Niko's ability to identify the talent he needs to run his systems effectively. He has a nice 4/5 to build around so already starting from a much stronger spot then they were last year when it was just Asuma with any sort of proven track record.

Going to be fun to see how it all plays out. If we can avoid the injury issues of this past season I like our chances of being in the NCAA tournament next season.....above and beyond that will depend on how all the pieces come together.
 

With Shinholster back, we're functionally full. Two sports are open but they're the 13th and 14th spots. I expect them to be filled with local practice players.
 



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