Just got my Athlon Sports college basketball magazine.

[march madness]

They pick the gophers to finish 8th in the Big ten and to get an invite to the NIT. I feel they have Illinois over-rated at 5th. They lost 4 experienced and talented players from last year. They had a solid recruiting class, but nothing spectacular. Indiana looks improved on paper. For us to finish 8th in the big ten, pg will have to be a disaster, and we would have not found any outside shooting, plus I think it would be a second disastrous season of coaching from tubby.
I find a top 6 finish much more likely.


Other notes:
Trevor 3rd team all-american. 1st team all Big Ten.

 

[From the Barn]

Trevor as 1st team all Big Ten and the Gophers finishing 8th don't seem to add up.

 

[BleedGopher]

Trevor as 1st team all Big Ten and the Gophers finishing 8th don't seem to add up.

Last year Trevor was 2nd team and we finished 9th.

Go Gophers!!

 

[howeda7]

Trevor as 1st team all Big Ten and the Gophers finishing 8th don't seem to add up.

I agree. Unless he goes Kris Humphries on us. It's not as though the team has no talent outside of Trevor.

 

[Eye of the Gopher]

8th place!?

Fine by me, I have no problem going into the season under the radar. However, to predict we are going to finish 8th in Big Ten is a joke to me, we will be much improved from last season.....fast, deeper, more athletic.

Best case scenario we finish 2, worst case 5th if you ask me.

Off the cuff prediction for Big Ten Standings at the end of the year

1. Ohio State
2. Wisconsin
3. Minnesota
4. Purdue
5. Michigan
6. Illinois
7. Michigan State
8. Indiana
9. Northwestern
10. Penn State
11. Nebraska
12. Iowa

 

[underground629]

But the BT sucks this year and we don't have Hoffarber playing pg. It would take some serious injuries for us to be 9th if Trevor plays well enough to be a 1st teamer.

Last year Trevor was 2nd team and we finished 9th.

Go Gophers!!

 

[From the Barn]

PSU should be awful. Nebraska is always awful. Iowa will be a bit of a mess until Fran gets his guys in. NU badly needs a PG. No way Trevor is all B1G material and we are worse than those 4 teams.

 

[OSUfan]

But the BT sucks this year and we don't have Hoffarber playing pg. It would take some serious injuries for us to be 9th if Trevor plays well enough to be a 1st teamer.

Well, not having Hoffarber at all is surely part of the problem in the eyes of the Athlon experts. You have to understand these folks make knee-jerk predictions largely based on where you finished last season. The Gophs didn't finish last season well, and didn't add any 5* recruits like Anthony Davis or Austin Rivers that are no-brainers to be major producers. Whenever you are coming off a disappointing season and have a couple positions that are going to feature either new players or players who didn't get it done the prior season, the experts aren't going to give you the benefit of the doubt - that doesn't mean they will be right, that's just how it's done in their business.

Even though the Big Ten is not as strong towards the top this year, the only team that looks to be a true doormat type is PSU.

 

[RoyalGopher]

Fine with me if we're underrated! We can prove them wrong! I pick them at 5th or 6th in the B1G. Under normal circumstances (assuming 3 of our top 6 players don't leave/get injured/have to play out of position for half of the year), I say we get 5th or 6th in the B1G, and make the tourney.

 

[underground629]

True, it's just that I would also hope they'd take into account that we were ranked 12th nationally with a solid but not great pg, and then as soon as we didn't have a pg, the entire season was lost. I know freshmen pgs typically don't do well, but we have one pretty highly rated pg out of hs, as well as well as an experienced transfer who can play there. Either way, it will be better than having Hoffarber player there, and and sophomore Hollins should be an improved. Hopefully Ralph and Rodney can elevate their games but I wouldn't expect them to assume that. I guess the main reason I feel we should be rated a bit higher is that most of the BT is losing top players and we aren't. I loved Hoffarber but I'm referring to losing him as a pg, which he obviously wasn't meant to play. Having arguably the best big man rotation in the conference should mean something as well.

Well, not having Hoffarber at all is surely part of the problem in the eyes of the Athlon experts. You have to understand these folks make knee-jerk predictions largely based on where you finished last season. The Gophs didn't finish last season well, and didn't add any 5* recruits like Anthony Davis or Austin Rivers that are no-brainers to be major producers. Whenever you are coming off a disappointing season and have a couple positions that are going to feature either new players or players who didn't get it done the prior season, the experts aren't going to give you the benefit of the doubt - that doesn't mean they will be right, that's just how it's done in their business.

Even though the Big Ten is not as strong towards the top this year, the only team that looks to be a true doormat type is PSU.

 

[march madness]

They are under-estimating the gophers for sure. But I think a big part is having a freshmen pg, who was mostly a sg in high school. Or having a moderately rated jr college combo guard run the team. It is the most important position in college basketball.

 

[march madness]

Some of these teams are wonders to me. Can anyone besides Taylor average over 10pts per game on Wisconsin. Same for Purdue with Hummel, if he is 100%. I know both have great consistent records, but their talent is way less than the gophers top to bottom. Michigan St. has a Valpo transfer in Woods at guard, and a mcdonalds all-american at sf in Dawson; they will finish in top 5. I think Indiana could suprise and I think Illinois is over-rated.

1. ohio st sullinger, craft, buford, thomas plus a top 10 recruiting class
2. Michigan St Izzo hoping addition by subtraction.
3. Wisconsin replacing Leuer scoring a priority.
4. Michigan lost pg morris, or would have been picked 2nd. Hardaway future star.
5. Minnesota pg issues, outside shooting ?, best depth in big ten, Mbakwe.
6. Northwestern pg issues. Crawford and Shurna tough combo.
7. Purdue who can score besides hummel. great defenders though.
8. Illinois lost a ton and relying on youth
9. Indiana Up and comming youngsters
10. Iowa Improving team
11. Nebraska Tough inaugaration
12. Penn St. No Battle, no contest.

 

[The-Real-Truth]

Very true. Last year, at this time, MSU was in top 5 if I remember correctly.

Go Gophers

Well, not having Hoffarber at all is surely part of the problem in the eyes of the Athlon experts. You have to understand these folks make knee-jerk predictions largely based on where you finished last season. The Gophs didn't finish last season well, and didn't add any 5* recruits like Anthony Davis or Austin Rivers that are no-brainers to be major producers. Whenever you are coming off a disappointing season and have a couple positions that are going to feature either new players or players who didn't get it done the prior season, the experts aren't going to give you the benefit of the doubt - that doesn't mean they will be right, that's just how it's done in their business.

Even though the Big Ten is not as strong towards the top this year, the only team that looks to be a true doormat type is PSU.

 

[Monty519]

About where I'd expect us to project. We just don't know enough about too much of this team. We could be a top 3 B1G squad, or we could be 9th. A lot of unknown pieces that we either expect, or simply hope, will produce what we think. The new recruits, along with Oto, Eliason, Big Mo if he can make it back on the court, that's like 7 new guys right there. There's a lot of questions where, if a lot of the answers are "Yes", we have a very solid squad on our hands, but if there are more than a fair share of "No", we might be in some trouble.

 

[scher215]

About where I'd expect us to project. We just don't know enough about too much of this team. We could be a top 3 B1G squad, or we could be 9th. A lot of unknown pieces that we either expect, or simply hope, will produce what we think. The new recruits, along with Oto, Eliason, Big Mo if he can make it back on the court, that's like 7 new guys right there. There's a lot of questions where, if a lot of the answers are "Yes", we have a very solid squad on our hands, but if there are more than a fair share of "No", we might be in some trouble.

I'ad add that Rodney is also an unknown. Basically, the only known on this team is Trevor being really really good.

 

[SelectionSunday]

I think Monty sums it up very well. A ton of unknowns for the Gophers. That could be a really good thing, a really bad thing or more likely it'll fall somewhere in between.

I honestly believe 2nd through 11 place in the B1G is wide open. The only things I'm confident of are OSU finishing 1st and Penn State finishing 12th. I don't think Iowa and Nebraska will be the gimmes' a lot of folks are making them out to be, certainly not for the Gophers. I consider myself an optimist/realist, and I'm pegging the Gophers for 5th this season, just behind Sparty & just ahead of Purdue. If I knew Robbie Hummel was going to be (for the most part) 100% healthy, I'd drop the Gophers a notch, but he's too big of a question mark for me to justify putting the Boilers ahead of the Gophers.

 

[Monty519]

Nebraska was solid last year, especially at home if I recall. I don't know what pieces they're returning, but I'd expect them to be competitive. Whether that translates to a lot of wins, not sure.

As far as Rodney, I don't know if I really consider him an unknown, as much as an "x-factor" type guy. When I say that, I mean, we know Rodney is gonna be good for some energy boosts through the rim and solid rebounding along with good defense for the most part. I'm not expecting him to suddenly be a 15 point scorer for us though. He has that "stat sheet stuffer" type potential where you look and he has like 10 pts, 7 boards, 5 ast, plus 2 or 3 blocks and steals. We need that Rodney on a NIGHTLY basis, not just in spurts.

Okay, so I guess that would be sort of like being an unknown, whether we get that from him consistently or not lol.

 

[MadtownGopher]

I think the keys to our season are Andre Hollins and Oto. If Andre can be the starting PG we lacked late last year and if Oto can be a Hoff-like 3pt threat I think we'll be just fine and likely make the tournament. To contend for a top 2 or 3 finish in the conference we need Rodney to take the next step and have one of Austin Hollins, Chip Armelin, and Joe Coleman step up as a consistent scorer. Even though I've never seen them play (other than youtubes), I have a feeling Welsch and Ingram will be solid contributors off the bench. For the most part I have zero worries about our front court; Trevor, Ralph, Mo, Elliott, and Ingram should be a very solid front court for us.

 

[march madness]

Rodney

As far as Rodney, I don't know if I really consider him an unknown, as much as an "x-factor" type guy. When I say that, I mean, we know Rodney is gonna be good for some energy boosts through the rim and solid rebounding along with good defense for the most part. I'm not expecting him to suddenly be a 15 point scorer for us though. He has that "stat sheet stuffer" type potential where you look and he has like 10 pts, 7 boards, 5 ast, plus 2 or 3 blocks and steals. We need that Rodney on a NIGHTLY basis, not just in spurts.

Okay, so I guess that would be sort of like being an unknown, whether we get that from him consistently or not lol.

In 25 minutes per game, Rodney gave us 3.5 rebounds. He averaged .6 stls .7 blocks per game. The "unathletic" Colt gave us 5 reb per game in 18 minutes. He averaged .5 stls and .6 blocks in those minutes. I'm not sure Rodney is that type of player mentally. You need anticipation and a willingness to do the things that don't always make the highlight reels. I hope I am wrong about him. I would actually like Austin to take more of his minutes at small foward, especially if he can shore up his long range shooting as some sophmores have done. He seems like he could be the stat stuffer and not necessarily worry about the highlights.

 

[scher215]

In 25 minutes per game, Rodney gave us 3.5 rebounds. He averaged .6 stls .7 blocks per game. The "unathletic" Colt gave us 5 reb per game in 18 minutes. He averaged .5 stls and .6 blocks in those minutes. I'm not sure Rodney is that type of player mentally. You need anticipation and a willingness to do the things that don't always make the highlight reels. I hope I am wrong about him. I would actually like Austin to take more of his minutes at small foward, especially if he can shore up his long range shooting as some sophmores have done. He seems like he could be the stat stuffer and not necessarily worry about the highlights.

I do agree on Austin's talents and would love to see him play more, but comparing Rodney to Colt helps Rodney more IMO. Rodney is a SF, Colt was a C. Colt should get vastly more rebounds and blocks than Rodney does regardless of how athletic they are, but simply because of position.

Compare how many blocks Wes Johnson has compared to Andrew Bynum. Bynum should be way ahead of Wes. The fact its even close either says Rod is a good shot blocker or Colt was awful at it. Same with rebounds. Rodney's defense isn't the rebounding / blocks / steals nature. His defense can be measured by the offensive stats of the opposing players.

In fact, granted it is the NBA,

Wes Johnson: 26.2 MPG, 3.0 RPG, .7 BPG, .7 SPG
Kris Humphries: 27.9 MPG, 10.4 RPG, 1.1 BPG, .4 SPG.

While most would say Wes is more athletic than Kris, Kris plays a position that naturally gets more rebounds and blocks. Much like comparing Colt, Ralph, or Mbakwe to Rodney.

 

[scools12]

I think the keys to our season are Andre Hollins and Oto. If Andre can be the starting PG we lacked late last year and if Oto can be a Hoff-like 3pt threat I think we'll be just fine and likely make the tournament. To contend for a top 2 or 3 finish in the conference we need Rodney to take the next step and have one of Austin Hollins, Chip Armelin, and Joe Coleman step up as a consistent scorer. Even though I've never seen them play (other than youtubes), I have a feeling Welsch and Ingram will be solid contributors off the bench. For the most part I have zero worries about our front court; Trevor, Ralph, Mo, Elliott, and Ingram should be a very solid front court for us.

too mnay things in this post have to go right for this team to have a chance at the NCAA tourney. a 8th place or lower finish in the B1G is what should be expected from this squad.

 

[march madness]

Rodney

I do agree on Austin's talents and would love to see him play more. Rodney's defense isn't the rebounding / blocks / steals nature. His defense can be measured by the offensive stats of the opposing players.
He has that "stat sheet stuffer" type potential where you look and he has like 10 pts, 7 boards, 5 ast, plus 2 or 3 blocks and steals.
QUOTE]

Not to nitpick but I was just pointing out that he rarely had those "stat stuffing" games. I think it takes a certain commitment to do those things and because he has always been such a highlight player it would take a big mental adjustment to work on those things. I am pleasantly suprised by his assists though, I didn't realize he passed it so well. He is one of those players that if they had an injury that took away their leaping ability for a short time, it could help him develop other parts of their game. Jumping high is great but learning how to do the little things makes a good player..great.

 

[The-Real-Truth]

I was surprised too. Didn't he have two bad passes in 30 sec against OSU or another team? Lets hope that he has learned all the little things that you mentioned. He is one exciting player to watch.

Go Gophers

 

[scher215]

I do agree on Austin's talents and would love to see him play more. Rodney's defense isn't the rebounding / blocks / steals nature. His defense can be measured by the offensive stats of the opposing players.
He has that "stat sheet stuffer" type potential where you look and he has like 10 pts, 7 boards, 5 ast, plus 2 or 3 blocks and steals.
QUOTE]


Not to nitpick but I was just pointing out that he rarely had those "stat stuffing" games. I think it takes a certain commitment to do those things and because he has always been such a highlight player it would take a big mental adjustment to work on those things. I am pleasantly suprised by his assists though, I didn't realize he passed it so well. He is one of those players that if they had an injury that took away their leaping ability for a short time, it could help him develop other parts of their game. Jumping high is great but learning how to do the little things makes a good player..great.

Point taken. My apologies, misunderstood what you were getting at.

 

[Neutral]

Fine by me, I have no problem going into the season under the radar. However, to predict we are going to finish 8th in Big Ten is a joke to me, we will be much improved from last season.....fast, deeper, more athletic.

Best case scenario we finish 2, worst case 5th if you ask me.

Off the cuff prediction for Big Ten Standings at the end of the year

1. Ohio State
2. Wisconsin
3. Minnesota
4. Purdue
5. Michigan
6. Illinois
7. Michigan State
8. Indiana
9. Northwestern
10. Penn State
11. Nebraska
12. Iowa

I think your optimism is great, but let's be realistic here. How can u sit here and essentially guarantee an NCAA appearance with this current Gopher team? There is more uncertainty coming into this season than the last three. No proven outside shooting and no proven PG. Those are HUGE elements of a winning team. Stone cold locks to the NCAA don't have such question marks one month before the preseason. I say best case is third and worse case is 10th. It could go either way. Remember, the core of last seasons team that finished 9th is back.

 

[Cayman]

I think your optimism is great, but let's be realistic here. How can u sit here and essentially guarantee an NCAA appearance with this current Gopher team? There is more uncertainty coming into this season than the last three. No proven outside shooting and no proven PG. Those are HUGE elements of a winning team. Stone cold locks to the NCAA don't have such question marks one month before the preseason. I say best case is third and worse case is 10th. It could go either way. Remember, the core of last seasons team that finished 9th is back.

That same core also made it into the top 15 and was cruising to no worse than a 5 seed in the tourney until we lost both of our point guards to a midseason transfer and a season ending injury. When we had a solid point guard, they were doing great, and we have point guards this season. The only real loss is Hoffarber, since we spent about half of last season without Nolen. We also only had 8 scholarship players at the end of last season, so while we lose Hoff from the team at the end of last season, we get Walker back, and then add Andre Hollins, Andre Ingram, Elliason, Osieniks, Welch, and Coleman.

While I don't know if this team will make it into the top 15, I'm rather confident that we won't finish near the bottom like we did last year, and I would not be at all surprised if we made the tourney this year.

 

[GophersOnTheRise]

too mnay things in this post have to go right for this team to have a chance at the NCAA tourney. a 8th place or lower finish in the B1G is what should be expected from this squad.

Couldn't disagree more.

 

[gopheraschells]

I like our chances this year. People forget that tubby has built this team into a pretty athletic one whose bread and butter should be pressing. Last year with only 8 scholarship players and hoff running the point that was essentially impossible.

 

[Year of the Gophs]

First time all Tubby recruits

I love Blake and Al as much as anyone, but I recognize this is now the first Gopher team comprised of only Tubby recruits. An 8th place finish ain't gonna cut it. I expect better and believe we will get better.

 

[march madness]

I peaked at 2 other magazines they had the gophers at 8 also! I can see the reasoning but can we expect a better coaching job by tubby than last year? Can we see more trademark Tubby pressing and trapping defense? I think there will be some rumblings if we finish 8th.