per the link:
So again, we ask: What gives, Minnesota?
“We just have a room full of guys who are appreciative, have no egos and are about the right stuff,” Johnson said in a recent conversation. “We got lucky finding them.”
Lucky is a funny word. On paper, Johnson’s roster is some kind of island of misfit toys from all varieties of places and leagues — low-major guys, mid-major guys, old guys, random guys. It’s a byproduct of necessity. After Johnson was hired to replace Pitino in March, the transfer portal sucked the old roster dry, and Minnesota wasn’t a desirable destination for those more highly-regarded players who were available. So instead, Johnson, a Minneapolis native and Gophers alum, opted to hunt for overlooked pieces wanting a high-major opportunity. He offered a chance to compete in the Big Ten and ample playing time.
What resulted is an entire roster of newcomers, but more specifically, a top seven that’s carrying the Gophers to unexpected success and includes only one returning player — 23-year-old graduate student
Eric Curry, who began his college career in 2016-17. This year, Minnesota ranks second nationally in minutes played by starters and 19th nationally in years of college experience.
In other words, a tight rotation of veteran players.
Go Gophers!!
theathletic.com
