MaroonGopher
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Everyone seems to have bought into the hype of a potential match-up with North Carolina in the second round of the Puerto Rico tournament, but the opening-round contest may be just as important to the Gophers’ resume.
Western Kentucky has a wealthier hoops tradition than a few teams in the Big Ten (Northwestern and Penn State for sure), and a poor effort by Minnesota will not only equal a loss, it will equal an embarrassing debacle. The Gophers won’t have the home crowd to feed off this time either, so keep that in mind.
Having qualified for the NCAA Tournament 23 times, making the Final Four once and Sweet 16 three times since 1975, WKU re-loads with high-level athletes every season. The campus is right in the middle of fertile basketball recruiting grounds, so even the second and third-tier prospects from that region are Division I ready. I can guarantee that WKU would want nothing to do with Elliot Eliason and Maverick Ahanmisi.
This year, Big Red has started 2-0 and is projected to finish atop their side of the Sun Belt. In their last game against St. Joseph’s they hung nearly 100 points and won by 28.
Ok, doom and gloom over.
Minnesota has looked largely impressive in its first two games, even with its top natural scorer in street clothes. Maybe I’m just saying this because they’re 2-0, but I am proud as hell that Tubby Smith had the guts to put two proven “Mid-Major” programs on the schedule early in the season. Wofford and Siena combined for something like 53 wins last season and are projected to contend, if not win, their respective leagues. I was especially impressed with the Saints’ talent. Why is it that every other team outside Minnesota seems to have guys that can break down a defense and finish at the rim, because Siena has plenty? They just couldn’t get the “finish” part of “breakdown and finish” accomplished in the second half…
…which brings me to my next point. RSIII, Mbakwe and especially Colton owned the painted area on defense against Siena. It’s fun to see NBA-level size on the court for the Gophers and watch as the opposition repeatedly gets stuffed. Colton could ruin a free buffet on offense, but seems to have blossomed on defense. He understands that all he needs to do it put his long, strong arms straight up in the air to affect a shot. You won’t get any highlight reel blocks from Colt 45, just production. Save Williams and Mbakwe for Sportscenter…
…which brings me to my next point. Mbawke played with inspiration and energy for the second consecutive contest. I liked his dunks, but I loved his baseline spin and finish off the boards. Honestly, when he’s on the floor and the ball bounces off the rim, it’s his. 10 points and 11 boards: Good stuff.
Williams struggled in the first half offensively, but provided us with a pair dazzling dunks that energized the squad down the stretch. His jump shot just won’t fall, but I hope he keeps shooting. If that part of his game develops, we all know where this kid could end up.
Other thoughts/observations: Blake ran the back-up point with some gusto. Though not a naturally great ball handler, he possesses superior vision and made some nice threads on the break and in the half court…
…Am I the only one that noticed the Minnesota offense completely take the air out of the ball with 2 minutes, 30 seconds left? What the heck? I doubt Tubby chalked up a scheme that calls for a bunch of three-foot passes and standing around. A player that can penetrate and finish would have come in handy late.
Western Kentucky has a wealthier hoops tradition than a few teams in the Big Ten (Northwestern and Penn State for sure), and a poor effort by Minnesota will not only equal a loss, it will equal an embarrassing debacle. The Gophers won’t have the home crowd to feed off this time either, so keep that in mind.
Having qualified for the NCAA Tournament 23 times, making the Final Four once and Sweet 16 three times since 1975, WKU re-loads with high-level athletes every season. The campus is right in the middle of fertile basketball recruiting grounds, so even the second and third-tier prospects from that region are Division I ready. I can guarantee that WKU would want nothing to do with Elliot Eliason and Maverick Ahanmisi.
This year, Big Red has started 2-0 and is projected to finish atop their side of the Sun Belt. In their last game against St. Joseph’s they hung nearly 100 points and won by 28.
Ok, doom and gloom over.
Minnesota has looked largely impressive in its first two games, even with its top natural scorer in street clothes. Maybe I’m just saying this because they’re 2-0, but I am proud as hell that Tubby Smith had the guts to put two proven “Mid-Major” programs on the schedule early in the season. Wofford and Siena combined for something like 53 wins last season and are projected to contend, if not win, their respective leagues. I was especially impressed with the Saints’ talent. Why is it that every other team outside Minnesota seems to have guys that can break down a defense and finish at the rim, because Siena has plenty? They just couldn’t get the “finish” part of “breakdown and finish” accomplished in the second half…
…which brings me to my next point. RSIII, Mbakwe and especially Colton owned the painted area on defense against Siena. It’s fun to see NBA-level size on the court for the Gophers and watch as the opposition repeatedly gets stuffed. Colton could ruin a free buffet on offense, but seems to have blossomed on defense. He understands that all he needs to do it put his long, strong arms straight up in the air to affect a shot. You won’t get any highlight reel blocks from Colt 45, just production. Save Williams and Mbakwe for Sportscenter…
…which brings me to my next point. Mbawke played with inspiration and energy for the second consecutive contest. I liked his dunks, but I loved his baseline spin and finish off the boards. Honestly, when he’s on the floor and the ball bounces off the rim, it’s his. 10 points and 11 boards: Good stuff.
Williams struggled in the first half offensively, but provided us with a pair dazzling dunks that energized the squad down the stretch. His jump shot just won’t fall, but I hope he keeps shooting. If that part of his game develops, we all know where this kid could end up.
Other thoughts/observations: Blake ran the back-up point with some gusto. Though not a naturally great ball handler, he possesses superior vision and made some nice threads on the break and in the half court…
…Am I the only one that noticed the Minnesota offense completely take the air out of the ball with 2 minutes, 30 seconds left? What the heck? I doubt Tubby chalked up a scheme that calls for a bunch of three-foot passes and standing around. A player that can penetrate and finish would have come in handy late.