Next year's ideal wish...

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book said:
Trevor, Rodney, Eliot and Mo (great front line) Hollins (better shooters next year)
Julian at full strength and the Rice lake kid lighting it up from day one.
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Major question marks with this (assuming of course trevor comes back):

-How is Rodney going to be any different than the guy we've seen in BIG games this year? Players who have already seen significant playing time for two seasons don't often magically develop a jumper or ball skills during their transition from JR to SR.
-I like Elliot defensively, but the transition from backup to possible starter is not easy. Shaky FT shooting, not much offensive game other than passing. Can't say I'm super pumped.
-What do we even know about Mo? Sure, he's supposed to be a highly-thought of guy, but other than a couple nice-looking passes against non-conference foes last year we don't know anything
-Julian's been at full strength for many games this season. Next year will be his fifth year away from HS ball. Not sure much more progression will happen.
-Rice Lake kid lighting it up - not that it can't happen, but man - talk about grasping at straws.

Hate to say it - but I don't think we're a tournament team even with TM back next year, unless some major shakeups happen around the league OR we get a true OFFENSIVE difference maker at the guard spot (see; Burke, Craft, Taylor, etc). We need OFFENSE, specifically a playmaker. Period.
 

Costa Rican Gopher said:
You're right, Minnesota Gopher fans talking about Minnesota Gopher basketball really gets old. I wish there was some place these idiots could go talk about Gophers hoops without bothering us all the time.
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You mean talking Gopher basketball without any negative comments. If that is what you want is that really even a discussion?
 

josh087 said:
Major question marks with this (assuming of course trevor comes back):

-How is Rodney going to be any different than the guy we've seen in BIG games this year? Players who have already seen significant playing time for two seasons don't often magically develop a jumper or ball skills during their transition from JR to SR.
-I like Elliot defensively, but the transition from backup to possible starter is not easy. Shaky FT shooting, not much offensive game other than passing. Can't say I'm super pumped.
-What do we even know about Mo? Sure, he's supposed to be a highly-thought of guy, but other than a couple nice-looking passes against non-conference foes last year we don't know anything
-Julian's been at full strength for many games this season. Next year will be his fifth year away from HS ball. Not sure much more progression will happen.
-Rice Lake kid lighting it up - not that it can't happen, but man - talk about grasping at straws.

Hate to say it - but I don't think we're a tournament team even with TM back next year, unless some major shakeups happen around the league OR we get a true OFFENSIVE difference maker at the guard spot (see; Burke, Craft, Taylor, etc). We need OFFENSE, specifically a playmaker. Period.
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Fully agree with your take, especially on Walker. That said, Andre Hollins and Coleman could both (or together) become that dynamic guard. Austin Hollins may take a huge leap as well. Those three are the key to next year. I think Oto has pretty big upside as well. People need to remember he comes from a very different basketball background and likely has a lot more room to grow as a player than kids who grew up in the US.

I won't even discuss Trevor as I don't think he will be allowed back and I don't think he will come back.
 

Costa Rican Gopher said:
You're right, Minnesota Gopher fans talking about Minnesota Gopher basketball really gets old. I wish there was some place these idiots could go talk about Gophers hoops without bothering us all the time.
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Nicely done.
And anyone who thinks Costa Rican is only Mr. Positive hasn't been reading his posts - no offense intended, CRG.
 

Winnipegopher said:
Fully agree with your take, especially on Walker. That said, Andre Hollins and Coleman could both (or together) become that dynamic guard. Austin Hollins may take a huge leap as well. Those three are the key to next year. I think Oto has pretty big upside as well. People need to remember he comes from a very different basketball background and likely has a lot more room to grow as a player than kids who grew up in the US.

I won't even discuss Trevor as I don't think he will be allowed back and I don't think he will come back.
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Absolutely. If he had said "Andre Hollins could make a big leap for next year" I wouldn't have taken issue with that take at all. Coleman is also intriguing but my worst fear is - just like rodney - he never develops that jump shot.
 


westcoastgopher11 said:
This team is capable of some pretty impressive things next year. I would feel good about a top 2 finish in the B1G and a Sweet Sixteen. Its not outrageous to think that this team could be that good next year if people improve, especially offensively. I *could* see an elite 8 maybe, but we'd need a lucky break or two to go our way (as opposed to having our luck the last 3 years).
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Wow. Leave some of the Kool-Aid for the rest of us!
 



How about a pt guard that can break down defenses .. I hope that Dre can do it as it appears that he is the only decent option at this point in time. Julian is better suited to off guard IMO.
 



minngg said:
You mean talking Gopher basketball without any negative comments. If that is what you want is that really even a discussion?
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There are plenty of people, including myself, who post negative things. You just ignore them.
 

There are reasons for hope. But if your counting on the Rice Lake kid,that Wisconsin and Marquette didn't want lighting it up you are dreaming. Andre and Austin Hollins,Mo and Elliot give us a few pieces to build on however.
 

westcoastgopher11 said:
Rodney Williams needs to commit himself this offseason to getting ready for his NBA audition. If he decides to be a leader both in the locker room and in the offense next year we could be VERY good. Rodney needs to facilitate on the offensive end and be our go-to guy. Welch is a solid 2nd option for scoring and will be a senior. I'm expecting good things from Eliason as well, he's been a bright spot a lot of the year. Also with Mo and Trevor for depth I like our bigs better than this year, if we can stay healthy of course.

While Tubby is definitely on the hotseat its reasonable to basically use next year as a "do or die" situation. I genuinely think Tubby has been unfortunate here with a lot of things, I'm certainly no apologist of his but he got hosed on the handling of some things. Also he has had some coaching shortcomings that have contributed to our woes undoubtedly. Be that as it may next year is put up or shut up time for Tubby, and he needs to put up some serious Ws to keep his job. The new AD isn't going to give Tubby the axe after this season anyways.

This team is capable of some pretty impressive things next year. I would feel good about a top 2 finish in the B1G and a Sweet Sixteen. Its not outrageous to think that this team could be that good next year if people improve, especially offensively. I *could* see an elite 8 maybe, but we'd need a lucky break or two to go our way (as opposed to having our luck the last 3 years).
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You don't decide to be a leader. You either are, or you aren't.
 

My wishlist:
Whathavewedone finally gives up on his crusade for vindication
BigGopherFan finally realizes that he isn't a Gopher fan
TcGophers stops going into the game chat drunk/high and completely unreasonable
I'm missing a few things but I feel like it's a good start.
 



zambam said:
My wishlist:
Whathavewedone finally gives up on his crusade for vindication
BigGopherFan finally realizes that he isn't a Gopher fan
TcGophers stops going into the game chat drunk/high and completely unreasonable
I'm missing a few things but I feel like it's a good start.
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Dude, I don't need vindication. The only people needing vindication are people so dim they still defend Tub. Think they'll get it. heh heh heh heh heh
 

Winnipegopher said:
Fully agree with your take, especially on Walker. That said, Andre Hollins and Coleman could both (or together) become that dynamic guard. Austin Hollins may take a huge leap as well. Those three are the key to next year. I think Oto has pretty big upside as well. People need to remember he comes from a very different basketball background and likely has a lot more room to grow as a player than kids who grew up in the US.

I won't even discuss Trevor as I don't think he will be allowed back and I don't think he will come back.
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I just don't have a ton of hope for Oto making a big jump. I understand he comes from playing European basketball but those guys generally can shoot really well prior to arriving, just need to develop toughness. He is not however a good shooter which I would have expected would have been a strength coming in.
 


BigGopherFan said:
You don't decide to be a leader. You either are, or you aren't.
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Anyone can work hard and lead by example. Sometimes the best inspiration is just noticing the people keeping their nose down and getting their work done. I'm convinced that if Rodney trained hard this summer and showed improvement in his game it would be infectious. I just wish they had a facility that they could hang out and shoot around at...
 

Yo tubby... pick 5 or 6 players to lead the team and stick with them through thick or thin... let those players know they are the chosen ones... let them play through their mistakes

the leadership and chemistry you are looking for often develop on the floor

of course a bench player may step up and deserves a chance... but please eliminate the contant rotations! please!
 

I go back to what Jim Molinari said

Depth is nice to have, but I think a tad overrated. I always go back to what Jim Molinari once said:

"Play 8, trust 7."

Certainly I'd prefer that once a team gets to the meat (conference play) of its schedule.

In this day & age of way-too-many timeouts for each team along with the required TV timeouts, barring foul trouble your best players should be playing at least 35 minutes per game. These kids have been playing non-stop basketball their entire lives. They can go all night if the coach will let them.
 

SelectionSunday said:
In this day & age of way-too-many timeouts for each team along with the required TV timeouts, barring foul trouble your best players should be playing at last 35 minutes per game. These kids have been playing non-stop basketball their entire lives. They can go all night if the coach will let them.
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See Johnny Flynn and Syracuse for proof.
 


Blackhammer said:
if your counting on the Rice Lake kid,that Wisconsin and Marquette didn't want lighting it up you are dreaming
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Wisconsin players that Becky and Marquette don't want are automatically terrible. Take Kyle Weaver, for example. He only had a 3-year NBA career. If he would've received an offer from Becky or Marquette, he probably would've been an All-Star.
 

howeda7 said:
Then why are you here? Clearly it's not do to love of Gopher basketball.
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Clearly those that want Tubby back do not love Mn basketball. They love Tubby Smith. Those that want a change most certainly want change to improve the program. Please explain how that is NOT being a Gopher fan.
 

howeda7 said:
Then why are you here? Clearly it's not do to love of Gopher basketball.
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Hmm, you want more of a coach that can't build the prgoram, and I'm the one who doesn't
love Gopher basketball? Why is it so hard to understand, that to get better, you haev to treat
the disease? This team needs a coach, it won't get better without one.
 

dpodoll68 said:
Wisconsin players that Becky and Marquette don't want are automatically terrible. Take Kyle Weaver, for example. He only had a 3-year NBA career. If he would've received an offer from Becky or Marquette, he probably would've been an All-Star.
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I saw Weaver play in High School and liked him. Look forward to seeing Ellenson hopefully in their state tourney. Hope he surprises me. I also think on the other side of it I can point out Devron Bostick. I find it hard to believe unless a kid has grade problems that any high caliber player doesn't get an offer from Wis. or Marquette. Would love to get Matt Thomas in here but it isn't happening.
 

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