coolhandgopher
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As I've read through the board recently, it seems that many posters are pretty pessimistic about next season, to the point that some are even writing it off entirely. I'm actually feeling pretty good about the upcoming season for a variety of reasons.
1. Towards the end of the season, Devoe Joseph and Colton Iverson really seemed to grow into their games. Combined with Ralph Sampson III, I expect these three juniors to elevate their games next season to be consistent producers for the Gophers.
2. I know at this point you can't count on either, but I have to believe Al Nolen and Trevor Mbawke will be playing for the team next season. A combination of Nolen and Joseph handling the point should be manageable if Justin Cobbs does decide to transfer.
3. Early in the season Rodney Williams tantalized the fan base with his raw talent and then faded to the bench and sporadic playing time. As has already been discussed on this board, his development over the summer and into next season will be key. He certainly possesses the talent.
4. It's hard to imagine a season having more distractions than this past one-the suspensions before the season started of Mbawke, White and Bostick, the fight between Nolen and Westbrook, Nolen's ineligibility for second semester. Having weathered last season and advanced into the NCAA tournament despite all the adversity should give the veterans on this team confidence.
5. While Damien Johnson is sure to be missed especially with Paul Carter transferring to be near his sister, I'm of the mind that Lawrence Westbrook, despite being the leading scorer for the last couple seasons, will not be missed that much. I think Joseph will be ready to step into that spot and I also think the unity of the team will be better.
6. While I don't expect great contributions from the freshman recruits, I do think Maurice Walker and Austin Hollins will have opportunities to contribute. I've stated before that I suspect Tubby's gotten a gem in Hollins, although I would imagine his freshman contributions to be spotty.
7. As stated before, I believe Mbawke and Nolen will be with the team this upcoming season, which contributes to my optimism. The frontcourt of Iverson, Sampson, Mbawke, and Walker will be large and formidable. The backcourt of Joseph, Hoffarber, and Nolen is experienced and talented. Rodney Williams will have a great opportunity to shine on the wing and in transition.
8. While the Big Ten promises to have pretty formidable squads (Purdue, Mich. St., Ohio St., Illinois, Wisconsin, and Northwestern should all be tough and angling for the tourney) there is still the weak underbelly in Iowa, Penn St (especially if Battle leaves), Indiana with Michigan having to start over without Manny Harris and Deshawn Sims. I'm not guaranteeing 8 wins here (particularly with the improving talent in Bloomington and the troubles the Gophers have had with Beilein's Wolverines), but the opportunity is certainly there to make hay at the bottom of the conference.
9. I also think the weak non-conference schedule after the 76 Classic tournament this past season didn't do the Gophers any favors in prepping them for Big 10 play. I'm hopeful that the improved non-conference schedule that Selection Sunday has pointed out for us will help the Gophers be sharp heading into conference play.
10. I hate to even bring this point up, as it has been hashed and rehashed many times over, but since it brings my points to an even 10 I'll throw it out there-it seems that the Royce White window is still open; if he were to return to the team more mature, more committed I suspect we'd be welcoming onto the team a very talented player. I'm not expecting this to occur, but the possibility still seems to exist.
1. Towards the end of the season, Devoe Joseph and Colton Iverson really seemed to grow into their games. Combined with Ralph Sampson III, I expect these three juniors to elevate their games next season to be consistent producers for the Gophers.
2. I know at this point you can't count on either, but I have to believe Al Nolen and Trevor Mbawke will be playing for the team next season. A combination of Nolen and Joseph handling the point should be manageable if Justin Cobbs does decide to transfer.
3. Early in the season Rodney Williams tantalized the fan base with his raw talent and then faded to the bench and sporadic playing time. As has already been discussed on this board, his development over the summer and into next season will be key. He certainly possesses the talent.
4. It's hard to imagine a season having more distractions than this past one-the suspensions before the season started of Mbawke, White and Bostick, the fight between Nolen and Westbrook, Nolen's ineligibility for second semester. Having weathered last season and advanced into the NCAA tournament despite all the adversity should give the veterans on this team confidence.
5. While Damien Johnson is sure to be missed especially with Paul Carter transferring to be near his sister, I'm of the mind that Lawrence Westbrook, despite being the leading scorer for the last couple seasons, will not be missed that much. I think Joseph will be ready to step into that spot and I also think the unity of the team will be better.
6. While I don't expect great contributions from the freshman recruits, I do think Maurice Walker and Austin Hollins will have opportunities to contribute. I've stated before that I suspect Tubby's gotten a gem in Hollins, although I would imagine his freshman contributions to be spotty.
7. As stated before, I believe Mbawke and Nolen will be with the team this upcoming season, which contributes to my optimism. The frontcourt of Iverson, Sampson, Mbawke, and Walker will be large and formidable. The backcourt of Joseph, Hoffarber, and Nolen is experienced and talented. Rodney Williams will have a great opportunity to shine on the wing and in transition.
8. While the Big Ten promises to have pretty formidable squads (Purdue, Mich. St., Ohio St., Illinois, Wisconsin, and Northwestern should all be tough and angling for the tourney) there is still the weak underbelly in Iowa, Penn St (especially if Battle leaves), Indiana with Michigan having to start over without Manny Harris and Deshawn Sims. I'm not guaranteeing 8 wins here (particularly with the improving talent in Bloomington and the troubles the Gophers have had with Beilein's Wolverines), but the opportunity is certainly there to make hay at the bottom of the conference.
9. I also think the weak non-conference schedule after the 76 Classic tournament this past season didn't do the Gophers any favors in prepping them for Big 10 play. I'm hopeful that the improved non-conference schedule that Selection Sunday has pointed out for us will help the Gophers be sharp heading into conference play.
10. I hate to even bring this point up, as it has been hashed and rehashed many times over, but since it brings my points to an even 10 I'll throw it out there-it seems that the Royce White window is still open; if he were to return to the team more mature, more committed I suspect we'd be welcoming onto the team a very talented player. I'm not expecting this to occur, but the possibility still seems to exist.
