photo: University of Minnesota
Minnesota head coach Richard Pitino will return next season, according to college basketball analyst Jeff Goodman. The Gophers finished the 2020 season with a 15-16 overall record (8-12 in the Big Ten). Pitino just completed his seventh year with the Gophers and has qualified for two NCAA Tournaments. His overall record at Minnesota is 127-108, including 48-82 in Big Ten play.
In the coming weeks, fans will await the decision of big man Daniel Oturu, who could be a high NBA Draft pick. If Oturu declares early, Minnesota has talent returning, including star guard Marcus Carr. Carr ranked ninth nationally in assists and averaged 15.4 points per game. Pitino’s biggest challenge will be developing depth, while capitalizing upon experience gained by his core group of players. Not only that, but the commitment of Jamal Mashburn Jr. was the highlight of Pitino’s incoming recruiting class. Mashburn has received glowing reviews and will be a huge part of next year’s team.