The Gophers hosted their annual Maroon and Gold scrimmage at Williams Arena Sunday night and it was the first public look at the 2017 Gophers. The team must develop more chemistry by playing in game action, but the guard play stood out.
Nate Mason was shooting the ball very effectively and drilled a notable mid-range jumper. He also added a scoop finish at the rim and played very confidently. Mason looks stronger and can handle contact better when he’s trying to attack. His jumper looks smooth and he definitely has put in work this offseason. Mason finished with 22 points and 7 assists, creating numerous opportunities for Lynch down low.
Freshman point guard Isaiah Washington opened the game with a three pointer and a coast-to-coast finish at the rim. He is really aggressive attacking the basket and is a fantastic finisher. Washington also created a nice opportunity for Reggie Lynch down low off the dribble. He is learning to become more of facilitator, but he’s so dynamic when he the ball in his hands. Washington finished the night with 20 points and four assists.
Dupree McBrayer stepped outside and hit a corner jumper and was confidently shooting his mid-range jumper. The Gophers have a talented set of scorers in the backcourt that will be a difficult matchup for many teams in the Big Ten. McBrayer finished the scrimmage with eight points.
Jordan Murphy was creating shots off the dribble and finished at the rim with a quick jump hook. He is best when he can start his moves near the elbow and use his quickness off the dribble. It’s clear to see Murphy has spent time trying to become a more polished threat on the offensive end. Murphy had 13 points and 13 rebounds in 32 minutes.
Amir Coffey got the biggest roar from the crowd when got loose in transition and dropped a windmill jam. He is still trying to create shots in the offense. Richard Pitino has noted he will need to become more of an active contributor on the offensive end. Coffey had 10 points and continues to work on his involvement in the offense.
Reggie Lynch corralled a big shot block and had several scores around the rim after the guards created off the dribble. Richard Pitino said after the scrimmage that he thinks Lynch is “primed for a big year.” He said if he can rebound, run the court, and screen, he has a chance to play in the NBA. Lynch had eight rebounds and tallied 18 points on the night. He also picked up two fouls in 28 minutes of action.
Jamir Harris tried a few threes, but didn’t make any huge splashes. He did run the floor well in transition and hit a layup. Harris was 0-for-2 from the three-point line tonight.
Michel Hurt had a great transition finish with contact at the rim against Coffey. He also had a great cut out of an offensive set to finish over Lynch. Hurt was better on the defense end and tallied a notable offensive board. He played this offseason with Larry Brown and Coach Pitino has noted his improvement.
Davonte Fitzgerald was moving well down low and stepped out and drilled a three-pointer off a ball reversal. He had seven first half boards and looked really comfortable on the floor. He was active on the glass and feels natural at the four spot because of his ability to stretch the floor. Pitino called Fitzgerald’s performance the “brightest spot” of the scrimmage and likes his rebounding ability. He had 14 boards and added 7 points. Fitzgerald and Jordan Murphy combined to tally 27 rebounds, which would be huge for the team’s success.
Center Matz Stockman is ineligible to play this year, but received action in the scrimmage. He runs the floor well for his 7’1” frame and will be able to move the floor enough in transition.