WHY HAS GOPHER WOMENS BASKETBALL BEEN SO BAD FOR SO LONG?

Gopher Mac

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I am asking and don't know the answer. Since the 2010 season Gopher womens basketball has finished with a winning record in the big ten only 3 times. Pam did it once and Stolling twice. I don't think we want to revist the Stolling era. One time a 500 record and 11 times below 500. 11 out of the last 15 years below 500. Why? I think a ton of local talent in Minnesota and sounding states. Should be able to recuit talent. I don't understand why we are this bad for so long.
 


I am asking and don't know the answer. Since the 2010 season Gopher womens basketball has finished with a winning record in the big ten only 3 times. Pam did it once and Stolling twice. I don't think we want to revist the Stolling era. One time a 500 record and 11 times below 500. 11 out of the last 15 years below 500. Why? I think a ton of local talent in Minnesota and sounding states. Should be able to recuit talent. I don't understand why we are this bad for so long.
It is because of the Lake Wobegon syndrome. We think all our kids are above average. We think that we can win with mostly Minnesota kids. Whalen was naive enough to listen to Coyle and influential alumni that we should heavily recruit Minnesota kids. I remember the announcers on BIG saying she had eleven Minnesota players against Indiana's few in-state players. Blue chip players like Whalen, Banham, and Bueckers come along about every 4-6 years in Minnesota. Other areas of the country produce players of that level much more frequently. Women's college basketball became a national sport a long time ago and now it is an international sport. The Gophers have to figure out how to recruit impact players from beyond the borders; we now recruit Wisconsin. First, the Gophers have to somehow improve their record. Secondly, the Gophers have to play the game and give players lucrative NIL packages.
 

It is because of the Lake Wobegon syndrome. We think all our kids are above average. We think that we can win with mostly Minnesota kids. Whalen was naive enough to listen to Coyle and influential alumni that we should heavily recruit Minnesota kids. I remember the announcers on BIG saying she had eleven Minnesota players against Indiana's few in-state players. Blue chip players like Whalen, Banham, and Bueckers come along about every 4-6 years in Minnesota. Other areas of the country produce players of that level much more frequently. Women's college basketball became a national sport a long time ago and now it is an international sport. The Gophers have to figure out how to recruit impact players from beyond the borders; we now recruit Wisconsin. First, the Gophers have to somehow improve their record. Secondly, the Gophers have to play the game and give players lucrative NIL packages.
I take your point but I think you're underestimating the number of blue chip players here (many of whom opt to go elsewhere): just off the top of my head and limited to current rosters, i'd include Tessa Thompson, Gianna Kneepkins, Liv McGill, Aliyah Crump
 

I take your point but I think you're underestimating the number of blue chip players here (many of whom opt to go elsewhere): just off the top of my head and limited to current rosters, i'd include Tessa Thompson, Gianna Kneepkins, Liv McGill, Aliyah Crump
Not to mention Olivia Olson.
 


Bad coaching, bad development, and bad recruiting.

There's plenty of talent. No coach has seemed to know what they're doing.

Coach P seems like she's no good, either.
 




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