STrib Pitino building balanced schedule; non-conf schedule likely softer than last yr

[BleedGopher]

per the STrib:

The nonconference schedule, as Pitino has said, likely will be softer than last season’s — but he doesn’t want or expect the level of competition to drop off much. He said each year’s schedule is selected to take into account different rosters and preparation needs.

“There are so many things going into it,” Pitino said. “We’re always going to have a strong schedule because we are in one of the best conferences in all of college basketball. Now, you want to expand your brand because Minnesota basketball is not a finished product. We’ve got to build this. We’re not at the stage where it recruits itself.”

http://www.startribune.com/sports/gophers/258054351.html

Go Gophers!!

 

[fan of Ray Williams]

“There are so many things going into it,” Pitino said. “We’re always going to have a strong schedule because we are in one of the best conferences in all of college basketball. Now, you want to expand your brand because Minnesota basketball is not a finished product. We’ve got to build this. We’re not at the stage where it recruits itself.”


Coach speak for "We really don't want to play anybody out of conference that might beat us"?

 

[bga1]

“There are so many things going into it,” Pitino said. “We’re always going to have a strong schedule because we are in one of the best conferences in all of college basketball. Now, you want to expand your brand because Minnesota basketball is not a finished product. We’ve got to build this. We’re not at the stage where it recruits itself.”


Coach speak for "We really don't want to play anybody out of conference that might beat us"?

I think he has a team that could rely on a short bench in the non-conference and beat most all comers in non-conference play. However, he will have 6 new players coming in who I am certain he wants to see play and get experience while not racking up losses. That said, I long for the day when we will have a better non-conference schedule to attend.

 

[Gopherguy0723]

“There are so many things going into it,” Pitino said. “We’re always going to have a strong schedule because we are in one of the best conferences in all of college basketball. Now, you want to expand your brand because Minnesota basketball is not a finished product. We’ve got to build this. We’re not at the stage where it recruits itself.”


Coach speak for "We really don't want to play anybody out of conference that might beat us"?

Excellent translation. More cupcakes for everyone.

Maybe we should not make excuses and win.

 

[SelectionSunday]

“There are so many things going into it,” Pitino said. “We’re always going to have a strong schedule because we are in one of the best conferences in all of college basketball. Now, you want to expand your brand because Minnesota basketball is not a finished product. We’ve got to build this. We’re not at the stage where it recruits itself.”

Coach speak for "We really don't want to play anybody out of conference that might beat us"?

Richard has proven to be quite the wordsmith. That's an excellent translation Ray, though mine would be a little different.

"We're going to play in an exempt tournament every season plus have the ACC Challenge and occasionally a Big East team, so that gives me the excuse I need to never schedule any decent home games other than those ones." (even seasons like 2014-15, when the Gophers get neither a ACC or Big East foe at home)

I'm just thankful Jim Delany worked out the conference challenges with the ACC and Big East. It doesn't seem to matter who the coach is at Minnesota, those are the only (good) home games we're going to get pre-Big Ten schedule.

I must chime in on one more thing. I get a hoot out of how Pitino uses last season's strong overall SOS (yet not making the tournament) to justify playing a softer nonconference schedule in 2014-15, even though he has an experienced team coming back (4 starters + Mo Walker). What he fails to mention is his team didn't fail to make the tournament because of its difficult schedule, it failed because it couldn't beat Northwestern or Illinois at home or Purdue on the road. If you win any one of those games vs. teams that finished below you in the standings -- 1 or 2 of 'em -- you're in the tournament. It's that simple. This "we got punished for playing a difficult schedule" implication is pure spin/BS.

Here's hoping Pitino shocks me and has a notable opponent on our home schedule this coming season.

 

[GoldenGopherFan]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Told no real surprises as <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Gophers&src=hash">#Gophers</a> hoops is finalizing their non-conf. schedule. Iowa St. wants to start a series. Will happen. Not now.</p>— Darren Wolfson (@DarrenWolfson) <a href="https://twitter.com/DarrenWolfson/statuses/462681992367063040">May 3, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Not sure if this was posted somewhere else but found this interesting. Looks like we might get Iowa St. at home every other year.

 

[Winasota Gopher]

Richard has proven to be quite the wordsmith. That's an excellent translation Ray, though mine would be a little different.

"We're going to play in an exempt tournament every season plus have the ACC Challenge and occasionally a Big East team, so that gives me the excuse I need to never schedule any decent home games other than those ones." (even seasons like 2014-15, when the Gophers get neither a ACC or Big East foe at home)

I'm just thankful Jim Delany worked out the conference challenges with the ACC and Big East. It doesn't seem to matter who the coach is at Minnesota, those are the only (good) home games we're going to get pre-Big Ten schedule.

I must chime in on one more thing. I get a hoot out of how Pitino uses last season's strong overall SOS (yet not making the tournament) to justify playing a softer nonconference schedule in 2014-15, even though he has an experienced team coming back (4 starters + Mo Walker). What he fails to mention is his team didn't fail to make the tournament because of its difficult schedule, it failed because it couldn't beat Northwestern or Illinois at home or Purdue on the road. If you win any one of those games vs. teams that finished below you in the standings -- 1 or 2 of 'em -- you're in the tournament. It's that simple. This "we got punished for playing a difficult schedule" implication is pure spin/BS.

Here's hoping Pitino shocks me and has a notable opponent on our home schedule this coming season.

Very fair criticism of Pitino's handling of the not making the tournament. He could have simply said, had we won game x/y we'd be in. Instead he did what all the other coaches do and campaigned. Cant blame him, as he's just following suit, however, we all like him for his candidness and honesty about players, not so much here.

 

[Bad Gopher]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Told no real surprises as <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Gophers&src=hash">#Gophers</a> hoops is finalizing their non-conf. schedule. Iowa St. wants to start a series. Will happen. Not now.</p>— Darren Wolfson (@DarrenWolfson) <a href="https://twitter.com/DarrenWolfson/statuses/462681992367063040">May 3, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Not sure if this was posted somewhere else but found this interesting. Looks like we might get Iowa St. at home every other year.

I would like that.

 

[SelectionSunday]

Very fair criticism of Pitino's handling of the not making the tournament. He could have simply said, had we won game x/y we'd be in. Instead he did what all the other coaches do and campaigned. Cant blame him, as he's just following suit, however, we all like him for his candidness and honesty about players, not so much here.

Thanks. I like Pitino, and what he's already accomplished in such a short time. The program is in good hands. But in this instance, I just can't lap it up like a little puppy dog the spin he's throwing our way with regards to the non-Big Ten schedule.

 

[SelectionSunday]

Meanwhile, Mississippi State & Oregon State schedule a home and home

Yes, I realize neither are SEC or Pac 12 powerhouses, but I'd sure take either one of 'em on the Gopher schedule in place of one of our soft pastries.

http://www.clarionledger.com/story/...2014/05/05/msu-oregon-state-schedule/8737655/

 

[MadtownGopher]

The schedule bitching that goes on GH is among the most annoying aspects of the board. HALF of our team next year is going to be new comers. Like another poster mentioned, Pitino is going to want to experiment with lineups and get a lot of players on the court to see what he has before the conference season. Yes we have 4 starters returning, but after that we really don't have a lot of experience on the team and we are going to have to rely on a lot of new guys. This is not the season to schedule a non-conference gauntlet.

 

[El Amin Fan]

The schedule bitching that goes on GH is among the most annoying aspects of the board. HALF of our team next year is going to be new comers. Like another poster mentioned, Pitino is going to want to experiment with lineups and get a lot of players on the court to see what he has before the conference season. Yes we have 4 starters returning, but after that we really don't have a lot of experience on the team and we are going to have to rely on a lot of new guys. This is not the season to schedule a non-conference gauntlet.

Ahhh yes, a tradition of using hyperbole to drive home a point. Show me a single person asking for a "non-conference gauntlet" this year. Just one. A single person. A single post.

SelectionSunday mentioned two bad high major teams in Miss St and Oregon State. Give us one of those at home and we'll be happy. It sounds like we won't have a single high major team (not even a bad one) on the home non-conference slate this year. I'll be curious to see how many high major teams have that in their non-conf schedule. I imagine very few.

Ok, back to using hyperbole to prove a point!

 

[Winnipegopher]

Thanks. I like Pitino, and what he's already accomplished in such a short time. The program is in good hands. But in this instance, I just can't lap it up like a little puppy dog the spin he's throwing our way with regards to the non-Big Ten schedule.

I find it amazing how soft basketball scheduling is. Look back at the 2013-14 schedule, it doesn't seem that tough- it just shows how weak the other schedules were. The only tough non-Maui, non-ACC game was @ Richmond- and they won.

Would a loss or two to a top 100 team really affect the gophers that much? If they are on the bubble, will victories over cupcakes truly matter more than losses over decent teams? Oh, they might also beat the decent teams.

Pitino is overthinking this. I hope we don't end up on the wrong side of the bubble because of SOS.

 

[MadtownGopher]

Ahhh yes, a tradition of using hyperbole to drive home a point. Show me a single person asking for a "non-conference gauntlet" this year. Just one. A single person. A single post.

SelectionSunday mentioned two bad high major teams in Miss St and Oregon State. Give us one of those at home and we'll be happy. It sounds like we won't have a single high major team (not even a bad one) on the home non-conference slate this year. I'll be curious to see how many high major teams have that in their non-conf schedule. I imagine very few.

Ok, back to using hyperbole to prove a point!

Not many teams are playing a blue blood program in a special made for TV event to start the season either. That combined with the preseason NIT and even the Wake Forest game is enough non-conference "big name" teams for this season. And don't bitch about Wake Forest if you are wishing for an Oregon State type game.

I bet we see a Home and Home announced next season when we don't have the Louisville game on our schedule.

 

[SelectionSunday]

This is not the season to schedule a non-conference gauntlet.

Question #1: Who's asking for a non-conference gauntlet? I'm not. I'm asking for an additional --freaking 1 -- decent/notable home and home every season to add to the usual stuff we'll get every season (exempt tournament, ACC, Big East opponent roughly every other season). I hardly call that a gauntlet. I think the U could "get by" with 6 decent nonconference games + 7 cupcakes every season as opposed to the 3 to 5 decent-or-better opponents we play now.

Question #2: Please define, when is is the right time to schedule a "nonconference gauntlet"? Just curious. I only know of a few programs willing to schedule a nonconference gauntlet, and we are not one of them (nor should we be).

 

[MadtownGopher]

Question #1: Who's asking for a non-conference gauntlet? I'm not. I'm asking for an additional --freaking 1 -- decent/notable home and home every season to add to the usual stuff we'll get every season (exempt tournament, ACC, Big East opponent roughly every other season). I hardly call that a gauntlet. I think the U could "get by" with 6 decent nonconference games + 7 cupcakes every season as opposed to the 4 or max of 5 decent-or-better opponents we play now.

Question #2: Please define, when is is the right time to schedule a "nonconference gauntlet"? Just curious. I only know of a few programs willing to schedule a nonconference gauntlet, and we are not one of them (nor should we be).

I've already told you multiple times, you should not be expecting a home and home announced this year. Next year we will have one, I almost guarantee it.

And I will be pushing for a tough non-conference schedule once we are consensus top 25 team. We are not at that level yet. Maybe in a couple of years.

 

[SelectionSunday]

I've already told you multiple times, you should not be expecting a home and home announced this year. Next year we will have one, I almost guarantee it.

And I will be pushing for a tough non-conference schedule once we are consensus top 25 team. We are not at that level yet. Maybe in a couple of years.

Trust me Madtown, I never expect the U to schedule a home and home with a team from one of the other power conferences (ACC, Big East, Big XII, Pac 12, SEC). There's no reason to expect it because it's happened just once in the last seven seasons, eight if we fail to do it again in 2014-15. I wish for it and will be pleasantly surprised when it finally occurs, but no, I've learned not to expect it.

 

[WanderingGopher]

If there's any year for a soft non-conf schedule, the staff probably feels it's next year. Not only do we already have Louisville, Wake, and the preseason NIT on the schedule, but they also have to find a lot of minutes for the reserves (even deep reserves) in non-conf games because we are graduating nearly all of our starting lineup next year.

We aren't likely to play Louisville every year. Maybe a home and home with a BCS team will take the place of Louisville in 2015.

 

[book]

I hate the tourneys at neutral sites = it screws fans home games with national named teams!

 

[Tim1406]

When trying to schedule another BCS type team for a home and home you can't think of it soley for the gophers perspective. You need to think about it from whatever team we plan on playing against too. what bottom feeding team from a BCS needs to play the gophers? From a recruiting stand point what do those teams gain by playing in MN? From a win loss stand point many of them are looking at maybe a bubble chance and don't want to chance a loss in the non conference on the road at a mid tier Big Ten school. It makes little sense for many of the lower tier BCS opponents to play at MN.

Edit: My point is we'd have an easier time scheduling someone like Kentucky for a home and home than a Washington st. but i don't think that Pitino wants to play Kentucky on their non conference schedule 2 years in a row.

 

[MadtownGopher]

If there's any year for a soft non-conf schedule, the staff probably feels it's next year. Not only do we already have Louisville, Wake, and the preseason NIT on the schedule, but they also have to find a lot of minutes for the reserves (even deep reserves) in non-conf games because we are graduating nearly all of our starting lineup next year.

We aren't likely to play Louisville every year. Maybe a home and home with a BCS team will take the place of Louisville in 2015.

+1

When trying to schedule another BCS type team for a home and home you can't think of it soley for the gophers perspective. You need to think about it from whatever team we plan on playing against too. what bottom feeding team from a BCS needs to play the gophers? From a recruiting stand point what do those teams gain by playing in MN? From a win loss stand point many of them are looking at maybe a bubble chance and don't want to chance a loss in the non conference on the road at a mid tier Big Ten school. It makes little sense for many of the lower tier BCS opponents to play at MN.

Edit: My point is we'd have an easier time scheduling someone like Kentucky for a home and home than a Washington st. but i don't think that Pitino wants to play Kentucky on their non conference schedule 2 years in a row.

Very good point as well.

 

[SelectionSunday]

I give you Northwestern and Penn State as scheduling examples

OK, in terms of nonconference scheduling, we're not Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, or Wisconsin. I get that.

But for those who prefer to offer up excuses as to why the Gophers shouldn't ("we're still 'building' the program") or can't ("nobody wants to play us @ Williams Arena") schedule any more major-conference nonconference games, I offer you this.

Since the 2007-08 season (Tubby's first), the Gophers have played a grand total of three games (Iowa State-1, USC-2) vs. major-conference opponents (ACC, Big East, Big XII, Pac 12, SEC) that were part of a home and home series. The game @ Iowa State was the back ender of one scheduled by Dan Monson.

In that same time, Northwestern and Penn State have played 10 and 5 games, respectively, as part of home and homes. We're talking Northwestern and Penn State here!

I'm asking, Northwestern can schedule 5 games vs. Stanford, 3 vs. DePaul, and 2 vs. Baylor, and Penn State can schedule 2 vs. Ole Miss, 2 vs. Virginia Tech, and 1 vs. Seton Hall, yet all Minnesota can come up with (post-Monson) is one home and home vs. a major conference opponent?

It's not rocket science, though seemingly most coaches like to portray it as such.

 

[Winasota Gopher]

OK, in terms of nonconference scheduling, we're not Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, or Wisconsin. I get that.

But for those who prefer to offer up excuses as to why the Gophers shouldn't ("we're still 'building' the program") or can't ("nobody wants to play us @ Williams Arena") schedule any more major-conference nonconference games, I offer you this.

Since the 2007-08 season (Tubby's first), the Gophers have played a grand total of three games (Iowa State-1, USC-2) vs. major-conference opponents (ACC, Big East, Big XII, Pac 12, SEC) that were part of a home and home series. The game @ Iowa State was the back ender of one scheduled by Dan Monson.

In that same time, Northwestern and Penn State have played 10 and 5 games, respectively, as part of home and homes. We're talking Northwestern and Penn State here!

I'm asking, Northwestern can schedule 5 games vs. Stanford, 3 vs. DePaul, and 2 vs. Baylor, and Penn State can schedule 2 vs. Ole Miss, 2 vs. Virginia Tech, and 1 vs. Seton Hall, yet all Minnesota can come up with (post-Monson) is one home and home vs. a major conference opponent?

It's not rocket science, though seemingly most coaches like to portray it as such.

I think Tim's point still applies here though. Minnesota, prior to last year, had been projected relatively favorably by pundits to be an up and comer. Everyone is looking for that resume building win, and for a low level BCS team, playing Minnesota probably wasn't as appealing as playing the bottom feeders like PSU and NW. With PSU and NW you could reasonably expect to obtain a BCS win, and possibly a BCS road win to add to your resume. Playing Minn was more likely a loss in many of those years.

I get what your saying SS, we've had some real stinkers in scheduling, but I think it's harder than you are giving credit for. Its like making a trade in fantasy football, you always want to be the winner of the trade, but guess what, so does the other guy....

 

[SelectionSunday]

If there's any year for a soft non-conf schedule, the staff probably feels it's next year. Not only do we already have Louisville, Wake, and the preseason NIT on the schedule, but they also have to find a lot of minutes for the reserves (even deep reserves) in non-conf games because we are graduating nearly all of our starting lineup next year.

We aren't likely to play Louisville every year. Maybe a home and home with a BCS team will take the place of Louisville in 2015.

I respectfully disagree. Of the next two seasons (2014-15 and 2015-16), I'd be more inclined to go with a softer schedule in 2015-16. I'd be more concerned about the Gophers' ability to handle a more strenuous nonconference schedule in two seasons than the next one. The Gophers will lose an awful lot from their 2014-15 squad.

 

[Winasota Gopher]

I respectfully disagree. Of the next two seasons (2014-15 and 2015-16), I'd be more inclined to go with a softer schedule in 2015-16. I'd be more concerned about the Gophers' ability to handle a more strenuous nonconference schedule in two seasons than the next one. The Gophers will lose an awful lot from their 2014-15 squad.

Well then dont B1tch next year then!

 

[MadtownGopher]

How much better were those home and homes with DePaul/Virginia Tech/Seton Hall/etc. than say Richmond? I'd say they were pretty even considering those teams were/are bottom feeders in their respective major conferences. Our non-conference schedules may have been lacking in "big name" home and homes, but we have done a good job scheduling pretty good (ncaa tourney quality) mid majors to build a strong sos and rpi. It's not like we've been scheduling SMU's 2014 schedule every year.

 

[SelectionSunday]

Well then dont B1tch next year then!

When there's a home and home on the schedule vs. a major-conference (or even a BYU, Gonzaga, New Mexico, San Diego State, VCU-type) program, I promise mum's the word. ... I suspect I'll be among the first to laud Richard for his courage!

 

[jovs]

Bubble team, if Pitino expected anything more he would have toughened up the schedule rather than making it easier.

 

[WolfontheProwl]

I think Pitino has to do the right thing for his players. The Gophers are going to be a very young team and developing that group in the offseason so they are ready to give productive minutes in the Big Ten season is going to be key. Bringing them along is probably easier if you start with some easier competition. Yes we have a good number of returning players but we are going to have 6 and maybe 7 new players that may see key minutes. Throwing them to the Wolves is a good way to destroy their confidence before the import part of the season has even begun. We are going to get Lou in the non conference and we are going to get some good tests in the preseason tournament so they will get some tests.

The key is building a team that wins against the teams it should. With this upcoming season the Gophers need to develop talent and win at the same time. In another year or two the priorities can change to taking on bigger named teams and schools.

 

[Winasota Gopher]

I think Pitino has to do the right thing for his players. The Gophers are going to be a very young team and developing that group in the offseason so they are ready to give productive minutes in the Big Ten season is going to be key. Bringing them along is probably easier if you start with some easier competition. Yes we have a good number of returning players but we are going to have 6 and maybe 7 new players that may see key minutes. Throwing them to the Wolves is a good way to destroy their confidence before the import part of the season has even begun. We are going to get Lou in the non conference and we are going to get some good tests in the preseason tournament so they will get some tests.

The key is building a team that wins against the teams it should. With this upcoming season the Gophers need to develop talent and win at the same time. In another year or two the priorities can change to taking on bigger named teams and schools.

This Point I cannot get behind. Not that I don't believe we need to bring these guys along. But we can play one game with a shortened bench if we are worried about hurting the guys confidence. A periodic litmus test in the middle of a boring non con schedule full of cupcakes would be great way to "check for understanding".

A complete counter argument to your point would be the fact that we are plaing UL in the first game of the season. Those freshman are getting THROWN to the wolves.