Mike Max: Pitino inquiring about a private workout area across from his office

[GuyFawkes]

Think people are missing the point here when it comes to the practice facility, yes everything you need to improve is there in that gym to help your game. But that isn't the main reason for a practice facility. The main reason for it, is for recruiting purposes, and believe it or not, recruiting plays a big role in winning. Kids like new things, even if its not necessary. Think of it like this, you need to type a paper, all you need is a typewriter and one of your friend says you can use his to type your paper. Another friend says you can come over and use his computer with its spell check and other features that you don't technically "need" to type a paper. If you had the option to which friend to go visit, who do you pick? (everything else being equal of course)

 

[Bob_Loblaw]

I never actually saw this place but had heard about it when I was on the women's basketball practice team. I know the women's team used it for practice before, but for whatever reason it was a rare occurrence when they did. I think it was usually when they needed to practice, but the men's team had priority at Williams.

What years?

I've also seen this space used, but rarely. It isn't utilized very well at all. It sounds like one of those situations where the U treats all extracurriculars similarily again. I'm sorry but if it is down to karate or more practice space for the Men's BBall. . .how is this even a question?

 

[Parski1]

If Tubby had a chance to complain about something, it was never behind closed doors.

And you know that how...yet another intelligent statement from station16.

 

[GopherinPhilly]

Think people are missing the point here

Think your missing the abundance of sarcasm being slung here...nobody is fooled into believing this is the answer...what we are really berating is why was there only one question. Complaints about no place to practice one on one, do individual drills, etc because Williams is always being used...and yet, here is a place where it can all happen...right outside Tubby's effing window!

I don't just blame Tubby for this, I blame Maturi and the entire culture at the U that says a $5 mil plus earning team isn't more valuable that the freaking dance squad or intramural volleyball.

I hope Ricco prints up a sign that says, "By Order of God...This Court Reserved for My Team"

 

[Johnnyboy18]

nm

 

[Minnesconsin fan]

Think your missing the abundance of sarcasm being slung here...nobody is fooled into believing this is the answer...what we are really berating is why was there only one question. Complaints about no place to practice one on one, do individual drills, etc because Williams is always being used...and yet, here is a place where it can all happen...right outside Tubby's effing window!

I don't just blame Tubby for this, I blame Maturi and the entire culture at the U that says a $5 mil plus earning team isn't more valuable that the freaking dance squad or intramural volleyball.

I hope Ricco prints up a sign that says, "By Order of God...This Court Reserved for My Team"

go easy on the dance squad-- they have had way more success than the basketball team. Less revenue though

 

[howieramone]

go easy on the dance squad-- they have had way more success than the basketball team. Less revenue though

No one bears the dance squad any ill will, we're just asking our football and basketball programs be given the same level of support.

 

[RoyalGopher]

Now, you go on the Nebraska tour: this gym does not look that much different to me. What really can you do to a practice gym? What is missing is the video room, the hot tubs, tvs, headphones, computers, leather couches, the steam room, the sauna, lockers like studio apartments etc etc but for basketball only...the ability to elevate your game....you need nothing more. Nothing! Incredulous.

It's not really any different. The Athletics Department really wouldn't have to spend that much money in renovations and interior design to make it look like a first-class facility.

 

[EG#9]

Think people are missing the point here when it comes to the practice facility, yes everything you need to improve is there in that gym to help your game. But that isn't the main reason for a practice facility. The main reason for it, is for recruiting purposes, and believe it or not, recruiting plays a big role in winning. Kids like new things, even if its not necessary. Think of it like this, you need to type a paper, all you need is a typewriter and one of your friend says you can use his to type your paper. Another friend says you can come over and use his computer with its spell check and other features that you don't technically "need" to type a paper. If you had the option to which friend to go visit, who do you pick? (everything else being equal of course)

Agreed that you absolutely need a practice facility with all the bells and whistles. This is especially true when your arena is a century old and looks every bit of it when it is empty.

That said, I think a lot of us had the perception that there was no place on campus for the Gophers to get some shots up or due individuals when Williams was being used. The idea that this facility has been on campus and not been made available to the basketball team is shocking to me. I am sure it's not perfect, but I can't believe NOBODY had the idea to use it as a temporary solution while a state of the art practice facility was being built.

It's finding out about something like this that allows me to understand how this University has managed to underachieve so badly in revenue sports during my lifetime.

 

[PitinoFan]

Picture a $20 million dollar facility, then look at that gym... Stop-gap? Yes. Solution? No

Why? No couches or big screen TV?

 

[Bad Gopher]

Agreed that you absolutely need a practice facility with all the bells and whistles. This is especially true when your arena is a century old and looks every bit of it when it is empty.

That said, I think a lot of us had the perception that there was no place on campus for the Gophers to get some shots up or due individuals when Williams was being used. The idea that this facility has been on campus and not been made available to the basketball team is shocking to me. I am sure it's not perfect, but I can't believe NOBODY had the idea to use it as a temporary solution while a state of the art practice facility was being built.

It's finding out about something like this that allows me to understand how this University has managed to underachieve so badly in revenue sports during my lifetime.

This is exactly it. It's not like this gym was behind a secret panel in the library.

 

[howieramone]

Right now Coach P. is company, at some point in time he becomes help. I'm wondering if the Dark Side is so well entrenched it can allow a Pitino to fail.

 

[MN1nAZ]

This whole situation is nucking futs!!

 

[Maximus]

The idea that this facility has been on campus and not been made available to the basketball team is shocking to me.

The basketball team has been using this space in Bierman in the offseason for years.

 

[MadtownGopher]

What years?

'08-'09 season.

 

[joshvanklomp]

I think this shows a major difference between Smith--who at Georgia, Kentucky, and Minnesota, expects to have the best handed to him--and Pitino--who was at a small FIU campus and knows you have to take advantage of every little space you have.

 

[HOOP DREAMS]

That said, I think a lot of us had the perception that there was no place on campus for the Gophers to get some shots up or due individuals when Williams was being used. The idea that this facility has been on campus and not been made available to the basketball team is shocking to me. I am sure it's not perfect, but I can't believe NOBODY had the idea to use it as a temporary solution while a state of the art practice facility was being built.

Exactly.

All the times we heard Tubby and others complain about players not being able to shoot anywhere, when our old, still functional practice facility was outside his office...

 

[Redbird]

Speaking of practice facilities, I still like the idea of taking over the pavillion side of Williams and within that space build a state of the art practice facility for both the men and women, and at the same time take some of the space and enhance the basketball concourse at least on that side. You could build multi level in there and taking out the stands opens a ton of space, plenty for locker rooms and anything they might want.

 

[Bad Gopher]

Right now Coach P. is company, at some point in time he becomes help. I'm wondering if the Dark Side is so well entrenched it can allow a Pitino to fail.

What does that have to do with a practice gym, or are you just making another statement where you're sure someone will see it?

If I understand the gist of your cryptic post correctly, I think I can address it. I see one of the big advantages our program now has being an AD and his staff who are good at what they do and good to work for. They'll be supportive of the basketball program and be good bosses.

 

[lakesgopher]

If Tubby had a chance to complain about something, it was never behind closed doors.

Roll eyes

 

[station19]

Roll eyes

 

[Jessica Alba Fan Club]

Speaking of practice facilities, I still like the idea of taking over the pavillion side of Williams and within that space build a state of the art practice facility for both the men and women, and at the same time take some of the space and enhance the basketball concourse at least on that side. You could build multi level in there and taking out the stands opens a ton of space, plenty for locker rooms and anything they might want.

I always liked that idea, but it will never happen. The Sports Pavilion is like the MSG of non revenue sports.

 

[pharmacygopher]

Agreed that you absolutely need a practice facility with all the bells and whistles. This is especially true when your arena is a century old and looks every bit of it when it is empty.

That said, I think a lot of us had the perception that there was no place on campus for the Gophers to get some shots up or due individuals when Williams was being used. The idea that this facility has been on campus and not been made available to the basketball team is shocking to me. I am sure it's not perfect, but I can't believe NOBODY had the idea to use it as a temporary solution while a state of the art practice facility was being built.

It's finding out about something like this that allows me to understand how this University has managed to underachieve so badly in revenue sports during my lifetime.

Couldn't have said it better myself.

Speaking of practice facilities, I still like the idea of taking over the pavillion side of Williams and within that space build a state of the art practice facility for both the men and women, and at the same time take some of the space and enhance the basketball concourse at least on that side. You could build multi level in there and taking out the stands opens a ton of space, plenty for locker rooms and anything they might want.

The master facilities plan should be coming out soon. Curious to see the plan for the next 10-20 years.

I always liked that idea, but it will never happen. The Sports Pavilion is like the MSG of non revenue sports.

LOL

I thought it heard awhile back - is the Field House being closed/torn down?? It was a piece when I started at the U. Like too many things at the U, it was functional but not nice.

 

[scher215]

Agreed that you absolutely need a practice facility with all the bells and whistles. This is especially true when your arena is a century old and looks every bit of it when it is empty.

That said, I think a lot of us had the perception that there was no place on campus for the Gophers to get some shots up or due individuals when Williams was being used. The idea that this facility has been on campus and not been made available to the basketball team is shocking to me. I am sure it's not perfect, but I can't believe NOBODY had the idea to use it as a temporary solution while a state of the art practice facility was being built.

It's finding out about something like this that allows me to understand how this University has managed to underachieve so badly in revenue sports during my lifetime.

Well said. Ill just add again that the 24/7 access is a must, otherwise it isn't that good of a stop-gap even. Guys have to be able to go in and shoot after a late class, when they can't sleep, late into the night, etc. if it isn't 24 hours, make it open from 5 am to midnight or something like that. Or make this entrance hours so you can only enter the building between those times, but if you get there at 11:59 you can stay as late as you'd like.

There has to be a way to do it.

 

[wigopher1]

Well said. Ill just add again that the 24/7 access is a must, otherwise it isn't that good of a stop-gap even. Guys have to be able to go in and shoot after a late class, when they can't sleep, late into the night, etc. if it isn't 24 hours, make it open from 5 am to midnight or something like that. Or make this entrance hours so you can only enter the building between those times, but if you get there at 11:59 you can stay as late as you'd like.

There has to be a way to do it.

I believe the team managers open Williams on request for players to shoot around at odd hours, and that Bierman is being used by MBB in the off season and has been for years.

 

[Winasota Gopher]

I believe the team managers open Williams on request for players to shoot around at odd hours, and that Bierman is being used by MBB in the off season and has been for years.

100% accurate. Knew a manager who I would drive to Williams at odd hours to let guys in.