This is a great point. Dutcher is a MN guy in the sense that he has fond feelings for MN...but he has no connections here anymore in the basketball world. Medved particularly has more local recruiting ties, and Craig Smith to a lesser extent. Dennis Gates has strong Chicago connections, which would be nice.As far as Dutcher, I think there might be interest, but I think Coyle has some legit concerns about his age and the fact that Dutcher hasn't had to recruit Minnesota or even the Midwest really for a long time.
I care a lot more about connections to HS coaches in football, though, when you are regularly signing classes of 25+ guys. In basketball, I want a guy who can forge a connection with a kid and his family and possibly AAU coach. We typically sign 2-5 guys every year so it is much more about those individual relationships. It's why I'm interested in Dennis Gates, and don't particularly care that he does not have MN connections. He seems like a guy that builds a bond and kids respect and want to play for. I want that.