BleedGopher
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1500am Q&A:
Excluding the year that doesn't count (4-0 start in 1996-97 vacated for NCAA violations), this is the first 3-0 start for the Gophers men's basketball team in Big Ten play since 1975. This team is pretty special.
They have really impressed me. I knew we were good at the beginning of the year, but they really have shown me (more). They're tough. We have guys who want the ball. Their body language on the floor shows that they don't get rattled. Being in Champaign (Illinois), there was a big crowd getting after the team. They had a couple times where they were turning the game around, but our guys stuck in there. It was great. It's great to be 3-0 in the Big Ten.
Whether it was last year at Illinois or Michigan, or home against Michigan State, and others, this team curled up in the fetal position down the stretch. This team doesn't do that.
Something has happened to the guys and their confidence. It's neat to see. Body language is big. Look at Andre Hollins. He's getting banged all the time, but he's a stalwart. He's under control and wants the ball. He's a team leader. He can shoot. As a point guard, that's special.
Has this success helped raise a few dollars for that practice facility?
Everything helps. Raising money is always a challenge, but there's a decent amount there to do what we need to do. The key is deciding where you want to go with it. We can't just pick any piece of land. That's the process we're in -- where we'll put it. Winning cures a lot of problems. It makes people feel good.
Expounding on the special nature of this team: LSU folks were convinced they had Tubby Smith in April, but they didn't; Trevor Mbakwe gets a sixth year and is still on the team through trying times; and Rodney Williams doesn't go pro. It seems like everything has come together.
I think when you have a team that wins, whether for one year or for five years, there's a lot of things that go one behind the scenes, but then a lot of little things come together. During games, I think the same things -- some kid will make a shot and maybe he did something in the offseason to really help himself. Positive little things pile up to make big things.
Do you get the sense that Tubby Smith wants to finish his career here, or with this success, will he listen even more when the phone rings in late March/early April?
I think he's happy here. Some people say he's singing the blues when he says he doesn't have a practice facility. Does it dissuade every recruit? Probably not. But does it hurt on one who could be a program-changer? Sure, it could. He has had some frustrations and probably hasn't been as successful as he wants to be. Right now, he's winning. He seems pleased. He's a competitive guy, so he wants to have success. I think he's at peace. I can see him finishing his career here. I don't know where he and (wife) Donna are, but I think they enjoy living here. I think they like the people and their lifestyle.
A lot has to happen, but there's a chance it'll be No. 1 (Michigan) against No. 2 next Thursday at the Barn. The mere fact we're talking about that says a lot.
Oh my gosh. A lot would have to happen, but you never know. Going to IU (Indiana, on Saturday) will be brutal. When I was at VCU last year, we played them in the NCAA Tournament. They're really good. Cody Zeller amazed me seeing him up close. It'll be tough. But with this team, they don't get rattled. They will be there and mix it up. It'll be fun to watch.
http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/...e_No_raise_discussed_yet_for_Jerry_Kill011113
Go Gophers!!
Excluding the year that doesn't count (4-0 start in 1996-97 vacated for NCAA violations), this is the first 3-0 start for the Gophers men's basketball team in Big Ten play since 1975. This team is pretty special.
They have really impressed me. I knew we were good at the beginning of the year, but they really have shown me (more). They're tough. We have guys who want the ball. Their body language on the floor shows that they don't get rattled. Being in Champaign (Illinois), there was a big crowd getting after the team. They had a couple times where they were turning the game around, but our guys stuck in there. It was great. It's great to be 3-0 in the Big Ten.
Whether it was last year at Illinois or Michigan, or home against Michigan State, and others, this team curled up in the fetal position down the stretch. This team doesn't do that.
Something has happened to the guys and their confidence. It's neat to see. Body language is big. Look at Andre Hollins. He's getting banged all the time, but he's a stalwart. He's under control and wants the ball. He's a team leader. He can shoot. As a point guard, that's special.
Has this success helped raise a few dollars for that practice facility?
Everything helps. Raising money is always a challenge, but there's a decent amount there to do what we need to do. The key is deciding where you want to go with it. We can't just pick any piece of land. That's the process we're in -- where we'll put it. Winning cures a lot of problems. It makes people feel good.
Expounding on the special nature of this team: LSU folks were convinced they had Tubby Smith in April, but they didn't; Trevor Mbakwe gets a sixth year and is still on the team through trying times; and Rodney Williams doesn't go pro. It seems like everything has come together.
I think when you have a team that wins, whether for one year or for five years, there's a lot of things that go one behind the scenes, but then a lot of little things come together. During games, I think the same things -- some kid will make a shot and maybe he did something in the offseason to really help himself. Positive little things pile up to make big things.
Do you get the sense that Tubby Smith wants to finish his career here, or with this success, will he listen even more when the phone rings in late March/early April?
I think he's happy here. Some people say he's singing the blues when he says he doesn't have a practice facility. Does it dissuade every recruit? Probably not. But does it hurt on one who could be a program-changer? Sure, it could. He has had some frustrations and probably hasn't been as successful as he wants to be. Right now, he's winning. He seems pleased. He's a competitive guy, so he wants to have success. I think he's at peace. I can see him finishing his career here. I don't know where he and (wife) Donna are, but I think they enjoy living here. I think they like the people and their lifestyle.
A lot has to happen, but there's a chance it'll be No. 1 (Michigan) against No. 2 next Thursday at the Barn. The mere fact we're talking about that says a lot.
Oh my gosh. A lot would have to happen, but you never know. Going to IU (Indiana, on Saturday) will be brutal. When I was at VCU last year, we played them in the NCAA Tournament. They're really good. Cody Zeller amazed me seeing him up close. It'll be tough. But with this team, they don't get rattled. They will be there and mix it up. It'll be fun to watch.
http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/...e_No_raise_discussed_yet_for_Jerry_Kill011113
Go Gophers!!
