***OFFICIAL NIKO MEDVED OPENING PRESS CONFERENCE THREAD!!!***

Donate To GopherHole

Great presser by Niko. Well done. Didn't ask for patience, wants to win now in a sustainable way.

I thought the reporters fell a little short on actual basketball questions. I would have loved to hear him get asked the following:

1. Where do the signed recruits stand- do you want to retain them, are we in contact and are they interested in still coming? I know he wouldn't be fully able to answer that, but I would have loved to see his answer and his level of engagement on that question. I assume those players were watching so I would have loved to see the coach give them a little love assuming he wants them.

2. If he is able to get a great player that has a good attitude and wants to be here, but doesn't fit his system could that player still be a take? Does he tweak the system each year to fit the abilities of the players he has?
 

Dave H said:
Nadine asks about the banners and St. Thomas :ROFLMAO:
Click to expand...
Props to Nadine for asking that!

Based on other threads, I may be in the minority, but I loved to hear him talk about the Barn. Now, he's not going to use his opening presser to rag on the Barn, but just the fact that he was so enthusiastic was good to hear.
 


Dave H said:
He kind of hinted there might be more but he is probably waiting to see what Ali is thinking.

I am not exactly excited about Thorson staying but it's Niko's choice and he obviously loves the guy so fingers crossed!
Click to expand...
I think it is a great transition to have and a hit the ground running move. Long term Niko will figure out if Thor is the best fit but for now- good move.
 


bga1 said:
Great presser by Niko. Well done. Didn't ask for patience, wants to win now in a sustainable way.

I thought the reporters fell a little short on actual basketball questions. I would have loved to hear him get asked the following:

1. Where do the signed recruits stand- do you want to retain them, are we in contact and are they interested in still coming? I know he wouldn't be fully able to answer that, but I would have loved to see his answer and his level of engagement on that question. I assume those players were watching so I would have loved to see the coach give them a little love assuming he wants them.

2. If he is able to get a great player that has a good attitude and wants to be here, but doesn't fit his system could that player still be a take? Does he tweak the system each year to fit the abilities of the players he has?
Click to expand...
There was one question about retaining current players but none about committed recruits. Nikos answer was a little vague.
 

Dave H said:
Coyle seems pretty juiced up...almost sounds exicted?
Click to expand...
Because he got the guy he wanted 4 years ago
Dave H said:
He kind of hinted there might be more but he is probably waiting to see what Ali is thinking.

I am not exactly excited about Thorson staying but it's Niko's choice and he obviously loves the guy so fingers crossed!
Click to expand...
I think Dave would do things a little differently if he had a choice, but Ben was his boss and made the final decision. I think it’ll go a little bit differently this time around.
 


Dave H said:
He kind of hinted there might be more but he is probably waiting to see what Ali is thinking.

I am not exactly excited about Thorson staying but it's Niko's choice and he obviously loves the guy so fingers crossed!
Click to expand...
Isn’t Ali in the mix for the head coach for CSU?
 




Gophs24 said:
yes.....and sounds like it would be pretty shocking if he isnt the hire......

but cross our fingers they screw it up and go elsewhere and Niko would gladly take him as assitant
Click to expand...
Sounds like Miles might be the only other choice they have. In this case, I wouldn’t pull the trigger on him.
 


Rocksoldier said:
Because he got the guy he wanted 4 years ago

I think Dave would do things a little differently if he had a choice, but Ben was his boss and made the final decision. I think it’ll go a little bit differently this time around.
Click to expand...
I guess we will find out. Like I said its Niko's choice not mine. I am not angry or anything and hope you are right.
 







MissouriGopher said:
He nailed that presser. I'm all in. I'm in a group chat with people already looking into buying season tickets. Wish I lived in Minnesota because I'd be right there.
Click to expand...
Have to agree. Wish I could buy tickets for next season but I'm moving to South Carolina this summer so I'll be a Gopher in Clemson country
 



I wish that he would have given a statement at the start instead of just going to questions. IIRC when Holtz was hired he stated, "I do not have a magic wand, but we will work hard...." IMHO Holtz did have somewhat of a magic wand - his knack for playcalling is rarely seen.
 

denguegopher said:
I wish that he would have given a statement at the start instead of just going to questions. IIRC when Holtz was hired he stated, "I do not have a magic wand, but we will work hard...." IMHO Holtz did have somewhat of a magic wand - his knack for playcalling is rarely seen.
Click to expand...
He also said, The heart and soul of this team will come from Minnesota; the arms and legs might have to come from somewhere else. 😂
 


Rocksoldier said:
Dammit didn’t open this up until 6. How did it go
Click to expand...
Didn’t listen close. Talked about Tim Miles, his dad’s family’s story of immigrants, competing in pro sports town.
 

JZABR said:
Have to agree. Wish I could buy tickets for next season but I'm moving to South Carolina this summer so I'll be a Gopher in Clemson country
Click to expand...

Welcome, I'm just up the road near the triangle. Adjusting to the south has been different
 




He's an incredible hire and it was a grand slam press conference.

He clearly understands how important sales is to the whole thing, but it comes off so authentically.

A lot of "we need your money" energy but also a lot of "I believe you'll come through for us because we all want this and I can make it possible."

His opening statement about Ben just oozes class, as does the fact that he's been welcome back at 3 former employers to become their head coach.
 

Rocksoldier said:
Dammit didn’t open this up until 6. How did it go
Click to expand...
Link to interview here:

Niko Medved/Aaron Gleeman In-Studio - Bumper to Bumper 3/25/25 Hour Two - Dan Barreiro | iHeart

New Gopher Basketball Coach Niko Medved joins Dan for his first extended interview as coach before Aaron Gleeman makes a return in-studio for a great hour of Twins talk. <p>See <a href='https://omnystudio.com/listener'>omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>
www.iheart.com
 

You must log in or register to reply here.



Top Bottom