Category: Golden Gophers

Smith attributed the Gophers’ sluggishness against the Bison to a “nine day layoff” but Minnesota has a habit of slow starts.   “We gotta play a lot better,” Smith said when asked about being ready for the Big Ten.

This isn’t Smith’s most talented team but may well be his most unselfish.  He often praises the character of these players and they have shown competitiveness and composure including in close wins.

Still, Minnesota enters tonight’s game truly as a mystery team.  The starting lineup has only two players, forward Rodney Williams and center Ralph Sampson III, who have been regular starters in past conference games.  That’s a test sure to challenge the Gophers and so, too, will be playing away from Williams Arena.  During the non-conference schedule Minnesota played 10 games at home, three on a neutral court and none in an opponent’s home arena.

Tonight’s game could be a bit ugly to watch.  Neither Illinois nor Minnesota will remind anyone of the old show-time Lakers.  The Gophers have struggled to not only make outside shots, including three pointers, but defending shots beyond the arc has been a problem.  The good news is Illinois has been among the poorest shooting teams in the Big Ten during non-conference play including from three point range.

Minnesota will have to control leading Illinois scorer D.J. Richardson, a junior guard averaging 14.3 points per game, and 7-foot-1 sophomore center Meyers Leonard who is among the Big Ten leaders in points and rebounds.  The Gophers, if they are to win, will probably have to find their own go-to guy for leadership and points, particularly late in the game.

But if they don’t hold their poise against a good Illinois team and loud Illini crowd early in the game, the Gophers won’t need anyone to play hero in the closing minutes.  And then Minnesota’s road problems will continue on.

It will be a year ago this coming Friday that Gophers freshman forward Maurice Walker injured his right knee against South Dakota State.  Walker missed the rest of the season because of a torn posterior cruciate ligament and meniscus, and he’s yet to play this fall.

Coach Tubby Smith told Sports Headliners he is uncertain when the 6-foot-10, 289-pound Canadian will play again.  “We don’t have one (a timeline),” Smith said.  “Every day he’s getting better.  He’s working out now.  He’s doing some running with some drills. …We just want to take it along slow.”

Smith said there’s a possibility of Walker playing this season but more evaluation will be made after Christmas.  With the inconsistent play of 6-11 Ralph Sampson III and 6-11 Elliott Eliason, the Gophers could certainly use Walker’s size.

Walker averaged 3.7 points and 2.8 rebounds for the Gophers in 12 games last season.  He’s a three time member of the Canadian Junior National Team.

Meanwhile, the Gophers (11-1) end their nonconference schedule on Thursday night at home against North Dakota State (8-2), a team that lost by three points at Arizona State and lists seven Minnesotans on the roster.  The Bison will be looking forward to the game and a possible upset.

Smith is happy with his team through 12 games.  “I am fired up,” he said.  “I like our kids.  I like the way they’re playing.  They really, I think, genuinely enjoy each other’s company.  They all have the passion, the competitiveness, but now they’re starting to play for one another.  That’s something I was really concerned about.  Because you get guys, and you gotta get them to be willing to play (together).  You gotta get them to be willing to sacrifice some things.  We got very unselfish players. …”

Smith said there is no update regarding progress to fund and build a new practice facility adjacent to Williams Arena.  Minnesota and Northwestern are the only schools in the Big Ten Conference without such a facility.  The Minnesota facility will be used by both the men’s and women’s teams, and ease the use of Williams Arena for practice while providing a more attractive venue to show recruits.