Big Ten Team Preview: Minnesota Golden Gophers

By Ryan Bramwell

 

 

 

 

 

Breakdown

• 2011-2012: 23-15 (6-12)
• Postseason: NIT Runner-Ups (Loss vs. Stanford)
• Coach: Tubby Smith (6^th Year)

Situation:

• Gone: Ralph Sampson III, Chip Armelin
• Back: Trevor Mbakwe, Rodney Williams, Andre Hollins, Joe Coleman, Austin Hollins
• New:  Wally Ellenson, Charles Buggs

Returning Numbers:

• MIN – 84.5%
• PTS –  83.8%
• 3PM –89.2%
• REB – 84.1%
• AST – 85.2%

 

Returning Leaders:

• MPG – Williams (31.9), Mbakwe (28.7), Au. Hollins (28.4) ,Welch (24.7)
• PPG – Mbakwe (14.0), Williams (12.2), Welch (9.5) Au. Hollins (9.2)
• RPG – Mbakwe (9.1), Williams (5.6), Eliason (3.9)

Key Players:

• Trevor Mbakwe
• Rodney Williams
• Austin & Andre Hollins (No Relation)
• Julian Welch
• Elliott Eliason/Maurice Walker/Charles Buggs

Keys to Success:

• Trevor Mbakwe must stay away from off-the-court issues
• Frontcourt duo performance of Williams and Mbakwe
• Strength of returning roster and added depth
• Avoiding the injury bug that has plagued them in previous years

Projected Starting Lineup:

• PG – Andre Hollins
• SG – Austin Hollins
• SF – Joe Coleman
• PF – Rodney Williams, Jr.
• PF – Trevor Mbakwe

Blue Ribbon Grades:

• Backcourt: B
• Frontcourt: B
• Bench/Depth: B
• Intangibles: B

Preview Links:

• Black Shoe Diaries 
• Inside the Hall 
• Blue Ribbon at ESPN 
• Bleacher Report
• Rant Sports

ESPN Team Page:

• Golden Gophers Basketball

My Prediction:

• 11-7, 6^th place