Success raises optimism for rugged U basketball Big Ten slate

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Updated: December 22, 2012 - 7:23 AM

It's been all about defense, defense, defense up to this point for the Gophers. Minnesota has been averaging a league best in both blocked shots and steals.

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goldengoph3rDec. 22, 12 1:41 AM

This team shouldn't fear anyone in the B1G. Michigan is very overrated, and Cody Zeller is, if the Butler game is an indication, just a tall, slow center with a decent 10 foot jumper. Illinois could give the Gophers trouble with their superior guards, and MSU will get better as the season goes on. But with a senior tandem in the front court and Austin Hollins at PG, I believe the Gophs can contend for the B1G if they play hard and disciplined each game.

clnorthDec. 22, 12 8:07 AM

Fourth place at best. Wonder who Tubby throws under the bus this year.

groover6Dec. 22, 12 8:22 AM

Shooting will be the biggest factor. They need someone who can get shots and make them when the defense starts packing it in on them.

kev5115Dec. 22, 12 8:59 AM

The Gophers will be successful if Tubby keeps his bench short. He can't be giving Oto or Andre Ingram key minutes against the top teams in the conference or they'll dig themselves a hole to deep to get out of. Trevor is going to have to be in as much as possible. If Eliott can't rebound or play defense he's a liability on the floor, he has no offensive game at all.

olcoach73Dec. 22, 12 9:19 AM

Like to watch all Big Ten teams on the BTN and of course the Gophs whenever possible. Have kind of lost interest with all these one-sided cupcake games they all play. No pleasure watching a 70-40 game. Even if it's close until the 2nd half, 9 times out of 10 the Big Ten pulls away. Wish they played a few games against real competition, then get into Bit Ten schedule. Butler over Indiana an exception, of course.

hjlazniDec. 22, 12 9:36 AM

It continues to amaze me that Amelia and Smith do not realize that many coaches would play a front line of Eliason, Mbakwe and Williams with Andre the point guard and the duo of Austin and Coleman sharing the 50 minutes of 10 minutes Rodney is not on the floor at the no. 3 spot and 40 minutes allotted to the no. 2 spot. There is a reason this coach has not won one NCAA game.

rick563Dec. 22, 1210:52 AM

Can you say offensively challenged - again?

jobuyaDec. 23, 12 9:49 PM

If you naysayers don't know, the Gophers have had one of the tougher non-conference schedules of most Big 10 teams. You have to admit Mr. Souhan, Tubby has outdone what you ever thought he would accomplish. I know you won't admit it but you thought Tubby was at the bottom of the barrel when it comes to college basketball head coaches because you were building your opinion off of what Kentucky fans brought out, am I wrong?

ellensamwichDec. 24, 12 4:53 PM

The Gophers are fun this year! Let's rally behind them. Super athletic, well-conditioned, extremely deep bench - the NIT championship last year was currency for why they should be playing NCAA 64, this year - i actually think they have the capacity to beat the #2 Wolverines. Athleticism, agility, wit - Go Gophers!

fyren99Dec. 25, 12 2:17 PM

As usual, the Gophers have by far the most difficult early schedule in the league. In the past few years, they have lost several games up front and never recovered. We'll see how this version does. Williams is very good, and Mbwake can rebound and has some moves, but the rest are question marks on offense, although Andre can get hot at times. Big 10 teams will not let Coleman just waltz in and dunk. Hope they do well, because Indiana is way overrated, and Ill. and OSU (except Thomas)can't make anything. I hate to say it, but Michigan is the best team by far thus far. Good luck Gophers!

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Success raises optimism for rugged U basketball Big Ten slate

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