KEVIN O’CONNELL – Page 13 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

‘Ant’ Rubbing Elbows with LeBron, Jordan & Oscar

Posted on April 16, 2024 by David Shama

Anthony Edwards is in elite company after finishing the regular season on Sunday with 2,049 points, 430 rebounds and 405 assists.

At 22 years and 253 days old, Edwards became the fourth-youngest player in NBA history to total 2,000 plus points, 400 plus rebounds and 400 plus assists in a season. The others are legends LeBron James (three times), Michael Jordan and Oscar Robertson.

Edwards finished the season as the only player in franchise history to average 25 plus points, five plus rebounds and five plus assists. His 2,049 points rank second in Wolves history to Karl-Anthony Towns’ 2,061 in 2016-2017.

Edwards’ value was significant defensively, too, helping the Wolves to a second-best franchise record of 56-26. President of basketball operations Tim Connelly told Sports Headliners that Edwards and teammate Jaden McDaniels (23-year-old starting small forward) “are two of the best perimeter defenders in the league.”

The Wolves finished the season No. 1 in scoring defense in the NBA, allowing 106.5 points per game. They also led in defensive field goal percentage, allowing 45 percent. It’s a franchise first for Minnesota to finish a season ranked first in either category.

The defense, which also led the NBA in advanced defensive rating, is led by 7-1 center Rudy Gobert. He’s the favorite to win his fourth NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award and is part of a total team commitment limiting scoring by opponents.

“When you have that many guys committed to playing defense…it’s infused through your team and everybody buys in,” head coach Chris Finch told Sports Headliners.

As the No. three seed in the playoffs, the Wolves will need to play better defensively and offensively against the sixth seeded Suns who swept them during the regular season including an embarrassing 125-106 loss in Minneapolis Sunday. The Wolves, trying to drive the basketball where there were no openings and throwing errant passes, committed a ghastly 19 turnovers leading to 26 points in the first half.

The Suns, 49-33 during the regular season, present matchup problems for Minnesota. Point guard Mike Conley is only 6-foot tall and faces a Phoenix backcourt with 6-6 Devin Booker Beal and 6-4 Bradley Beal. Up front the Suns have 6-11 shot master Kevin Durant who was guarded by the Wolves’ 6-6 Edwards on Sunday.

The Suns have mobile and effective scorers in Beal, Booker, Durant and 6-4 small forward Grayson Allen. That raises questions about whether the Wolves can play Gobert and 7-foot-power forward Karl-Anthony Towns, the Twin Towers, for long stretches defensively.

Offensively, on Sunday the Suns constricted offensive opportunities for Edwards, who averaged 25.9 points per game this season. Double teams and constant attention resulted in just seven field goal attempts and 13 points for Edwards.

The NBA is all about adjustments from game to game and it will be pivotal for the Wolves to not only create more opportunities for Edwards to score but also move the basketball better to present better opportunities for other players.

The Wolves, who were resoundingly defeated by the Suns in all three games this season, have home court advantage in the potential seven-game series starting with Saturday’s opener in Minneapolis. The Suns are about a two-point underdog for Saturday.

The Wolves, who finished 42-40 last season, have a strong Coach of the Year candidate in Finch. Edwards will draw some attention for NBA MVP and power forward Naz Reid is a legit contender for Sixth Man of the Year.

Quoting Kevin O’Connell on QB Hunt and Justin Jefferson

The Vikings have a lot of voices providing input as they evaluate quarterbacks for the upcoming NFL Draft. Head coach Kevin O’Connell offered insight yesterday when asked about a situation where the Vikings could be trying to decide on who to draft when a couple of quarterbacks are almost equally valued by them.:

Kevin O’Connell image courtesy of Minnesota Vikings

“Yeah, I mean, luckily, we’ve got a lot of really smart people in this building and between Kwesi’s (GM Adofo-Mensah) staff and our coaching staff, the process has been really good. The quarterback position is one where you may have 10 really smart coaches or personnel folks watch the same cut-up, and you might come away with 10 different opinions on a player.

“That’s why we have to spend a lot of time together. That’s why we spend a lot of time with the players themselves and really envision not only what they’re going to be like as an NFL quarterback, but what are they going to be like as a quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings if we’re able to get one of these guys. …”

Superstar receiver Justin Jefferson didn’t attend yesterday’s first voluntary offseason workout program. That’s not unexpected from an uber talent who is in a year of contract talks.

O’Connell is unsure when Jefferson might participate in workouts, with volunteer days now and mandatory activities ahead. “… I know I’ve had a lot of great dialogue with Justin throughout even the early part of this offseason and leading up. So, you know, my hope is we can get him around the team.

“He’s obviously such a special player, but it goes beyond that. Especially this time of year because of just the energy and the flat-out way he comes in when he’s in this building and he goes to work and how his teammates respond to him.

“So, I want him here as much as we can have him, but also understand that there are a lot of factors involved. And like I said, there’s nobody I love having more around on a daily basis, just because of how he elevates others. Truly a special, special player.”

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Give Kevin O’Connell Final Authority on QB Draftee

Posted on April 14, 2024April 14, 2024 by David Shama

Who will have the final word in the draft room next week when the Vikings presumably select their future starting quarterback? If this is a movie, leading roles go to GM Kwesi-Adofo Mensah, new quarterbacks coach Josh McCown and owners Zygi and Mark Wilf but the star of the drama figures to be head coach Kevin O’Connell.

The evening of Thursday, April 25, is potentially a franchise transformative night for the Vikings who haven’t been able to lock in long term on a superlative quarterback this millennium. The chatter has been ceaseless about who the Vikings will draft and whether they can move up from their No. 11 spot in the first round.

Despite the likelihood of taking a quarterback in the first round, there is no guarantee that will happen. But the Vikings will take a quarterback at some point in the NFL Draft and when they do it makes no sense for anyone to have as much say as O’Connell who could see attributes in a prospect that others can’t. He will also be tasked above all others in the newcomer’s development.

With other pro teams a heavyweight GM could have the most clout in the QB process, but Adofo-Mensah is about two years into his role as front office boss. His background is in business, data and analytics and he’s never played football or coached it. He and O’Connell work closely together including the deep-dive process for preparing for this draft and selection of a quarterback but their backgrounds and experience are different.

The Wilfs, as in the past, will know what their organization leaders are doing and will be aware of final recommendations. But why would they dictate the decision of who to draft when that’s the job of those they hired?

McCown’s input will be highly valued. He was hired this year after being the Panthers’ quarterback coach last season where he worked with rookie QB Bryce Young. McCown has nearly 20 years of QB playing experience in the NFL and a past relationship with O’Connell.

McCown and others will have O’Connell’s ear but ultimately, he figures to have the final decision whether it’s a consensus or contrarian choice. In two years as Minnesota’s head coach he’s earned a reputation as one of the NFL’s brightest young offensive strategists and teachers. The 38-year-old has the demeanor and knowledge to make the most out of whoever the Vikings count on to lead them at quarterback, the NFL’s most important position.

With O’Connell’s wherewithal and resume that should give him the biggest soap box in the draft room. He not only deserves it but his future security as head coach depends on it.

Worth Noting

The Twins announced this morning they have returned left-handed pitcher Caleb Thielbar to the roster after his rehab assignment at AAA St. Paul and reinstated him from the 15-day Injured List. Right-handed pitcher Jorge Alcala has been optioned to St. Paul to make room on the 26-man roster.

The Twins are averaging 22,448 fans in their first five home games, per ESPN.com, and expect to draw two million or more this season.

As of late last week, fewer than 1,000 tickets remained for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Gymnastics, at Target Center June 27-30.

The Holy Family Catholic High School football program, losers of 23 straight games until last season’s turnaround 7-4 season, returns seven starters each on offense and defense. Also back will be head coach Dan O’Brien, the former Gophers assistant coach, and veteran assistants Dave Nelson and Jeff Ferguson.

Nelson is assistant executive director of the Minnesota Football Coaches Association that had a record number 1,660 registrants for its annual clinic earlier this month in St. Louis Park.

The Twin Cities Dunkers celebrate their 1,000^th speaker program on May 14 when Golden Gophers baseball coach John Anderson, who is retiring after this season, speaks to the club. It will be Anderson’s 14^thas the lead speaker, the most in Dunkers’ history. The organization began as the Minneapolis Dunkers in 1948.

That was former Golden Gophers head football coach Glen Mason’s 74^th birthday last Tuesday.

Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor’s 83^rd birthday is Saturday (April 20).

Condolences to the family and friends of Gordy Genz who passed away earlier this month. He was a hockey coaching icon at Warroad and Alexander Ramsey High School. A superb athlete at Hamline, he scored 11 points in a 1959 hockey game against Augsburg, according to Hamline.edu.

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J.J. McCarthy Might Give Vikes Second Best QB in Draft

Posted on April 7, 2024April 7, 2024 by David Shama

Daniel House studies more film of prospective NFL quarterbacks than any media person I know. He analyzes game films of college quarterbacks not just from 2023 but dating back in some cases to before the pandemic.

And guess what? In this 2024 quarterback rich NFL Draft he agrees USC’s Caleb Williams has the most upside, but his No. 2 may surprise you. Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye often receive more praise as prospects, but based on what House refers to as “projection” he thinks J.J. McCarthy is No. 2.

“Soley based on the fact that his ceiling is the highest of these quarterbacks. …He really wasn’t able to showcase everything that he could do because of Michigan’s style of play and how they completely dominated teams up front,” said House who offers his football insights on Mnvikingscorner.com and Gophersguru.com.

“When he was asked to do things within the system, to showcase his strengths, he executed those things. And when he gets in an NFL system that builds around what he does best—you put him in a good situation—I think he’s really going to forge and take off based on his talent.

“I don’t think people give him enough credit for his athleticism. This guy is very, very athletic. He’s slippery. He can extend plays but he’s not one of those guys that is going to hold onto the ball too long and back himself into some poor decisions.”

McCarthy has been linked to the Vikings since last fall, with the notion GM Kwesi-Adofo Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell were focusing on the former five-star recruit who helped Michigan to the 2023 national championship. Back then and for a while this winter speculation was McCarthy could be available in the middle of the first round or later.

That seems to have changed, with talk now McCarthy might be selected among the first six picks in the April 25-27 NFL Draft. Four quarterbacks going in the first five or six selections? It’s possible and that scenario would mean the Vikings trading up to be positioned for McCarthy or another high QB prospect.

Trade capital could mean the Vikings offering their No. 11 and No. 23 first round picks, and more, to be in a prime draft spot. McCarthy could be the target because of his skills and how those physical and mental attributes fit the Viking offense that favors play-action and passes over the middle of the field.

Daniel House

“I think he fits Kevin O’Connell’s offense the best (compared to Daniels and Maye) and he’s got the highest ceiling overall when he gets into an offense that fits his strengths—the play fake, the ability to suck defenders up, doesn’t get frustrated when things aren’t available. He’s a great improv, off-schedule quarterback when he needs to be,” House said about the 21-year-old who is the youngest among the four quarterbacks ballyhooed in the draft.

“The thing I notice is how he loves to give receivers hand signals, and then just redirects them and knows where to put the ball to give them a chance or draw a flag. Flashes the ability to move defenders with his eyes, and pump fakes, and really shines throwing over the middle of the field which I think is something Kevin O’Connell really is looking for in his next quarterback. …”

If the Vikings stay at No. 11 in the first round, McCarthy is unlikely to be available, but Bo Nix from Oregon and Michael Penix Jr. of Washington could be. In a league where successful quarterbacks have been found not only in the first round but even as free agents, the Vikings might find their man at No. 11 or later.

House refers to Nix as “a great athlete,” praises him for his throwing accuracy and pump fake that fools defenders, and for having a high football IQ. He said Nix’s pro success will depend on the system he plays in. “If he ends up with someone like Kevin O’Connell, I think he could do quite well.”

House praises Penix’s improvement during his college career and likes the quarterback’s ability to find openings in the secondary. “He’s more of a gunslinging type of quarterback where he’ll drive it into the tight window because he’s got such a strong arm and the ball really jumps out of his hands differently.”

House said Penix can make all the throws, his processing is better than he is given credit for and he thinks “someone is going to really fall in love with him as their quarterback.”

Of course, every prospect has elements like processing that evaluators are uncertain about. For a detailed look at the top quarterbacks in this month’s draft google their name and the NFL.com/prospects.

Worth Noting

Good guy Dalton Risner, the Vikings left guard who signed a one-year deal with the club last year but now is a free agent, switched agents recently in what seems to be a slow-moving contract process. Could Blake Brandel, who the Vikings re-signed last month, change from a utility backup role to a starter at left guard?

A controversial call in the closing seconds of Friday night’s Women’s Final Four cost UConn an opportunity to tie or win their semifinal game against Iowa but afterward former Hopkins superstar Paige Bueckers said one play doesn’t determine the outcome and she could have played better. Her former high school coach, Brian Cosgriff, texted this last night:

”No excuses. Even after one of the toughest losses ever. It’s what makes Paige special off the court, too!”

Quote on X last week from Robbinsdale Cooper LB Emmanuel Karmo —the top-rated class of 2025 state of Minnesota prep football prospect by 247Sports —after visiting Ohio State: “Had a great time in Columbus yesterday (April 1). Love the facility and the people and can’t wait to get back down on campus.”

A timely program on NIL’s impact on college sports featuring Gophers athletic director Mark Coyle will be the topic for the Capital Club’s April 24 breakfast at Mendakota Country Club. More information about the club is available from Patrick Klinger, patrick@agilemarketingco.com

With the Timberwolves facing salary cap challenges in the next offseason, forward-center Karl-Anthony Towns could be traded. If so, his absence may create a bigger role for center Luka Garza who recently saw his two-way contract converted into a standard NBA contract. Now in his third NBA season, Garza scored a season-high 16 points last week against the Raptors in just under 10 minutes. A skilled offensive player, Garza averaged 36.7 points in three G League games this season with the Iowa Wolves.

Anthony Edwards has at least one steal in 17 consecutive road games and can continue the streak in Los Angeles tonight against the Lakers. The club record is 24 set by Terrell Brandon in 2000.

That was Nebraska head basketball coach Fred Hoiberg, presumably in town for recruiting last week, seen at the Original Pancake House in Eden Prairie.

7 Vines Vineyard and Winery in Dellwood will be the site on Monday, June 10 for a tribute by friends and former teammates of the late Jim Carter who passed away in California last November. The celebration of life for the former Gopher football captain (1969) is being organized by former teammate Jim Brunzell.

The Wild, looking at missing the playoffs for the first time since 2019, seem likely to use minimal time in deciding whether to bring back 39-year-old goalie Marc-Andre Fleury.

The Twin Cities chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association is nominating Wild center Marco Rossi for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy presented annually to the player best exemplifying perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.

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