per the Post Bulletin:
FELDY: Norwood Teague may be gone, but apparently one-and-done postseason runs still warrant contract extensions at the U, Phersy. Richard Pitino did a nice job of turning around a disastrous 2015-16 season and getting the Gophers men's hoops team into the NCAA tournament in March. He was already under contract through 2021, though, when word broke Wednesday that he was being given yet another extension. Is that where we are? A NCAA tourney berth warrants an extension? Or are the Gophs headed in that much of a positive direction that Pitino had to be locked up long-term?
PHERSY: It's the Minnesota way, Feldy. But in this case, I'm fine with it. Recruiting is tough enough as it is, and sometimes a contract extension can ease a little of that pressure. Kids aren't going to sign on the dotted line with a coach they trust if they're unsure he'll be around in a few years. And, regardless of the early NCAA exit, the program took a massive step forward this season. Sure, it would have been OK to wait a year, but in this case, it's not the end of the world to lock Pitino into a longer deal. Now, let's hope there's another big step forward next season...
FELDY: Pitino's a likable guy who led an impressive 16-game turnaround last season. It'd be nice to see the Gophers improve again this season before dropping more money in his lap, but it's part of the game these days. He has, by all accounts, built an impressive recruiting class and last season's success carried an excitement with it that Gophers' hoops hasn't had in some time. There's every reason to expect this team to be in the Top 25 throughout next season, Phersy. But does giving Pitino another extension, 21 months after a previous extension, set a precedent that Mark Coyle will have to follow?
PHERSY: Coyle is an intelligent guy, and I believe he knows what he's doing ... despite what you'll read elsewhere. Coyle knows what he wants, and he's not afraid to go out and get it. And he knows what he doesn't want, and he's not afraid to get rid of dead weight. You're right, Feldy, it's part of the game, and I'll trust Coyle to make these decisions. Feldy, you mentioned the solid recruiting class coming in for next season. There are a few guys who can contribute immediately. But, boy, would it be a monumental step for Gophers basketball if Pitino could keep Matthew Hurt and Tre Jones in the Land of 10,000 Lakes in a couple years.
http://www.postbulletin.com/sports/...cle_a4818639-f811-550d-aba7-2f7809699d24.html
Go Gophers!!