If it wasn’t official earlier this season, then it is now: the Tubby Smith honeymoon period is over. The Golden Gophers basketball coach has lost his halo in year three of his program.
In an embarrassing effort on Sunday, the Gophers were defeated by Ohio State 85-63. The 22 point loss was the largest of the season, the result more of a poor defensive showing than anything else. It was a performance not characteristic of Smith’s Minnesota teams who have often been defined by effort and effective defense.
The Gophers, who have lost five games by five points or less, are a disappointing 4-5 in the Big Ten and 13-8 overall. Five Big Ten teams have three losses or fewer in league play, while four schools have overall records with at least three more wins than Minnesota.
The Gophers’ dream of an NCAA tournament invitation is about as unlikely as a 50 degree temp in Minneapolis on Valentine’s Day. Instead of NCAA, get ready to say N-I-T.
The initials for National Invitational Tournament are only slightly more popular with Gophers fans than IRS. Minnesota played in the NIT two years ago, Smith’s first season here. During the last 10 years the Gophers have sent two teams to the NCAA tournament and five to the NIT.
A season that had the promise of being the school’s best in at least a decade has gone south. The Gophers, who had been to the NCAA tournament in 2009, returned all their significant players including a potential all-Big Ten point guard in Al Nolen. Added to the mix last off-season were two power forwards, junior college transfer Trevor Mbakwe and freshman Royce White, players who were to provide badly needed muscle and size to the talent pool.
Nolen, though, became academically ineligible last month. Mbakwe and White have yet to play in games because of suspensions.
Earlier this week White announced he’s leaving school, ending speculation that he might play for the Gophers during February. A change regarding Mbakwe’s playing status depends on resolution of a legal matter in Florida.