Has Tubby finally done it here?

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balds

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It has been very evident that Tubby has been trying to build a team that has length, depth, athleticism, defensive ability AND the ability to run an effective offense. Has he finally done it?
 


I think he had it a few years ago, when they were ranked 15 before Devoe bolted for "greener" pastures and Nolen broke his foot.
 


If by "done", you mean a top 5 B10 finish and and a NCAA win, the I say- possibly.
 





balds said:
I think he had it a few years ago, when they were ranked 15 before Devoe bolted for "greener" pastures and Nolen broke his foot.
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I would have gone with this. Before the Nolen injury and Devoe's transfer, we had quite a good team, two wins over top 10 teams, we were in great shape. We would have almost certainly made the tournament, making it three times in a row for the first time in school history. I do seem to recall some rather close games against the "bad" teams on the schedule, not to mention losing to Virginia at home. It was Nolen's first game out and Devoe's first game back, and Virginia shot 10-13 from 3 that night. That team would have been good for sure, but I think this one may be better. We've had convincing victories over the teams we are supposed to beat, we have a couple of wins over BCS conference teams, our only loss is to the current #1 team in the country on a neutral court when every one of their shots was falling.

If not for injuries and Royce White and Trevor Mbakwe's suspensions, Tubby probably would have "done it" already.
 



Yes...and I'm sure last years Tubby haters would agree if they came out of hiding.
 

The 2009-2010 team could have been at least as good or better had Royce, Trevor and Al all been available. Knock on wood and pray the curse of Gangelhoff stays away.
 

howeda7 said:
The 2009-2010 team could have been at least as good or better had Royce, Trevor and Al all been available. Knock on wood and pray the curse of Gangelhoff stays away.
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You know, I almost never think of that because we made a run in the Big Ten tournament, and then made the NCAA tournament, but you make a good point, that team could have been really good with Trevor, Royce, and a full season of Al.
 

The 2010-11 Gophers were overrated (then [late Dec 2010] and especially today) by most before Mo's injury, Devoe's transfer and Al's season ending injury. They were just a bubble team.

This year is different - they are better than just a bubble team.
 



If only Royce had the mind and character of Rodney Williams. A front court of White and Mbakwe with Hoffarber lurking on the perimeter would have been very interesting.
 

What it's made me think about is how close Tubby has been for the last few years, considering we had and lost (permanently or temporarily) guys like Royce White, Devoe Joseph, Al Nolen and Trevor. When you think of how potent some of those teams could have been...

As far as whether we're "there" yet, to me that means how sustainable it will be, and that will depend to a large degree on how this translates to recruiting and particularly the gigantic junior HS class. Even Clem had a hard time sustaining the '97 success - not even making the Tourney in '98 (largely due to defections) and missing out on Doug Wrenn after recruiting Joel.

I've always felt the sky's the limit at Minnesota if someone came in and played their cards right. This is a surprisingly fertile area for basketball now. Not counting on Jones, but if Tubby can get Vaughn and Travis, I will pronounce us "there."
 

Bad Gopher said:
What it's made me think about is how close Tubby has been for the last few years, considering we had and lost (permanently or temporarily) guys like Royce White, Devoe Joseph, Al Nolen and Trevor. When you think of how potent some of those teams could have been...

As far as whether we're "there" yet, to me that means how sustainable it will be, and that will depend to a large degree on how this translates to recruiting and particularly the gigantic junior HS class. Even Clem had a hard time sustaining the '97 success - not even making the Tourney in '98 (largely due to defections) and missing out on Doug Wrenn after recruiting Joel.

I've always felt the sky's the limit at Minnesota if someone came in and played their cards right. This is a surprisingly fertile area for basketball now. Not counting on Jones, but if Tubby can get Vaughn and Travis, I will pronounce us "there."
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Exactly, Bad. Building blocks are in place, but sustaining is critical. I am pleased with what is assembled, but am not confident that will be reassembled quickly. I do think your confidence in the institution is misplaced, though. The U does not have the adminstrative infrastructure in place right now to sustain anything athletic wise, and the ad nauseum facilties conversation has to be resolved before we have a chance for sustained success.

One thing that goes under discsussed about this team is that they are not relying on any freshmen. Time in Tubby's system seems to help, but is also not something A grade recruits want to wait for. Tubby not having to deal with freshman may be critical in this year's success.
 

Parski1 said:
Yes...and I'm sure last years Tubby haters would agree if they came out of hiding.
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I now support all our coaches. I would like to think of myself as reformed for the long term. I promise to not recidivate.
 

Parski1 said:
Yes...and I'm sure last years Tubby haters would agree if they came out of hiding.
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Although I would not consider myself a hater, I was pretty critical of him last year. I am happy with the team right now, but I am wary that there have not really been any big wins. That being said no shame in the record so far. I think the MSU game is huge for them, and is a good barometer for this years team. Regardless, this is his 6th season here and there have been 2 NCAA trips with no wins. If someone predicted that the week he was hired they would have been blasted for it. I would think that this would be the year that NCAA wins start. And I hope they do.
 

Parski1 said:
Yes...and I'm sure last years Tubby haters would agree if they came out of hiding.
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It's not a matter of "hating." In five years he's made the NCAA twice. Every team in the country has injuries and "what ifs." Ohio State is playing Kansas at home this afternoon and we are playing Lafayette. People are voting with their feet while Norwood is "studying the issue" of attendance. I think that many of us can help him figure it out in about ninety seconds.

This is a legitimately good team but we don't know how far beyond good it might be because it has only really played one upper level opponent. Let's revisit the second or third weekend of March.
 

jamiche said:
It's not a matter of "hating." In five years he's made the NCAA twice. Every team in the country has injuries and "what ifs." Ohio State is playing Kansas at home this afternoon and we are playing Lafayette. People are voting with their feet while Norwood is "studying the issue" of attendance. I think that many of us can help him figure it out in about ninety seconds.

This is a legitimately good team but we don't know how far beyond good it might be because it has only really played one upper level opponent. Let's revisit the second or third weekend of March.
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I don't know what you are saying for sure, jammer. It seems as if our OOC RPI rating is pretty high according to Selection Sunday via Jerry Palm.

"Monday's RPI rating (Jerry Palm) is listed in parentheses.

Big Ten RPI Rankings
3. Michigan (2)
5. Illinois (same)
13. Minnesota (11)
16. Indiana (18)
42. Michigan State (51)
44. Ohio State (33)
62. Iowa (53)
70. Nebraska (79)
72. Northwestern (64)
127. Wisconsin (128)
138. Penn State (149)
173. Purdue (178)"



Maybe we have a darn good team that makes all of our previous opponents (less Duke) look weak? That is the way I am looking at it.
 

Dr.Don said:
I don't know what you are saying for sure, jammer. It seems as if our OOC RPI rating is pretty high according to Selection Sunday via Jerry Palm.

"Monday's RPI rating (Jerry Palm) is listed in parentheses.

Big Ten RPI Rankings
3. Michigan (2)
5. Illinois (same)
13. Minnesota (11)
16. Indiana (18)
42. Michigan State (51)
44. Ohio State (33)
62. Iowa (53)
70. Nebraska (79)
72. Northwestern (64)
127. Wisconsin (128)
138. Penn State (149)
173. Purdue (178)"



Maybe we have a darn good team that makes all of our previous opponents (less Duke) look weak? That is the way I am looking at it.
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I know the current RPI. As I said, let's revisit at the end of the second or third weekend of March.
 

Dr.Don said:
I don't know what you are saying for sure, jammer. It seems as if our OOC RPI rating is pretty high according to Selection Sunday via Jerry Palm.

"Monday's RPI rating (Jerry Palm) is listed in parentheses.

Big Ten RPI Rankings
3. Michigan (2)
5. Illinois (same)
13. Minnesota (11)
16. Indiana (18)
42. Michigan State (51)
44. Ohio State (33)
62. Iowa (53)
70. Nebraska (79)
72. Northwestern (64)
127. Wisconsin (128)
138. Penn State (149)
173. Purdue (178)"

I've watched a few games. This team is way better than last years. They understand the defense better, they pass better, they turn the ball over less, they play faster, more confident than last year. They are only going to get better as the year goes on. They will be battle tested from the Big Ten conference season. I would expect them to make the sweet 16. If Butler can make a title game then this Minnesota team certainly could make a final 4. It's all about match ups. One thing is for sure, Tubby has been there before and knows how to coach a team through it. The great thing for Minnesota is there is no pressure because I don't think most of the college basketball world expects a whole lot out of them. So if they advance to the 2nd weekend you guys will get a lot of press which will only be helpful. So kick back, cheer for your team and watch them get to the sweet 16 and not go on probation for getting there.
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