We need to be honest

[bballjunkie]

The fact of the matter is the Gophers just are not that good. While we all got on the bandwagon earlier this year. I was saying to anyone that would listen to me "This year is different, the Gophers are a legitimate team", "they can compete for a B1G title", "they will go deep in the NCAA tournament". As I look back on my foolish comments, I realize I was fooled once again. I really thought the NIT run last year without Mbakwe proved that with him we were loaded with talent. A big mistake on my part. Trevor is the only player with heart on this team and he is the only player that has come to play every game. We have a team of poor jump shooters and our coaching staff, well don't get me started on that topic because that is a whole different problem. This has been a frustrating year to be a fan. I worry what next year brings with Trevor gone, it could get real ugly around Williams arena next year because what is coming back does not give me hope for the near future. I am a very sad and disappointed long time fan who has seen enough bad basketball this year, enough is enough!

 

[WorkingMyTailOff]

Unfortunately, I think you are partly right. We have one guy who brings it every night on offense and defense. Trevor also doesn't depend on a jump shot to score. The shots will start to fall for Austin and Andre again, but I'm not sure if it will be in time.

 

[tmvander]

Even an outsider who isn't completely biased about this team would have looked at our roster and said "they will be in the tournament this year" even though we were a bottom half of the B1G, NIT team last year. On paper we do have a good team. I think if you aren't disappointed in how the season has gone you don't understand competitive sports and just enjoy them for the flashing lights and halftime shows.

As a fan I will admit I do sometimes set my expectations too high but losing to Wisconsin, Iowa, Northwestern, Nebraska, Illinois...come on man. Every team will win games they probably shouldn't and lose games they probably shouldn't throughout the year but honestly this year we should have been at least 11-7 in the B1G.

Just sucks having to pray to get in the tourney again with this year's team.

 

[WorkingMyTailOff]

I think we are a lot like Illinois. We have a better big man, but they have 4 guys (we have 2) that sometimes can light it up and they will look really good. Illinois has had some great wins (great nonconference) and some head scratching losses.

 

[Bad Gopher]

Well, if we're not that good then it comes down to the recruiting question again. And that's fair. Whether it's the facilities and/or other factors, I'll be the first to tell you that the talent level is markedly down from the Haskins years...and even arguably down from the Monson years (two 5-star recruits for Dan and one for Tubby - and he didn't play). It does take talent.

 

[WorkingMyTailOff]

Very good point Bad Gopher. The practice facility needs to happen and fast. If we can show the 2014 recruits that it's being built, it might be a difference maker.

 

[BarnBurner]

The fact of the matter is the Gophers just are not that good. While we all got on the bandwagon earlier this year. I was saying to anyone that would listen to me "This year is different, the Gophers are a legitimate team", "they can compete for a B1G title", "they will go deep in the NCAA tournament". As I look back on my foolish comments, I realize I was fooled once again. I really thought the NIT run last year without Mbakwe proved that with him we were loaded with talent. A big mistake on my part. Trevor is the only player with heart on this team and he is the only player that has come to play every game. We have a team of poor jump shooters and our coaching staff, well don't get me started on that topic because that is a whole different problem. This has been a frustrating year to be a fan. I worry what next year brings with Trevor gone, it could get real ugly around Williams arena next year because what is coming back does not give me hope for the near future. I am a very sad and disappointed long time fan who has seen enough bad basketball this year, enough is enough!

Trevor is not the only player with heart. EE has a lot of heart. And a nasty streak. If he would stop flailing his arms and opening his mouth every time a call goes against him, he would be fine.

 

[jovs]

Trevor is not the only player with heart. EE has a lot of heart. And a nasty streak. If he would stop flailing his arms and opening his mouth every time a call goes against him, he would be fine.

I agree, EE has looked much better, scoring points, playing tough D like he always has, he won't create his own points like Trevor has, but if he gets the ball with a decent shot he can put it in.