Pam Borton has received guaranteed monetary increases in the past but that ends this year, per her employment agreement with the University of Minnesota. The agreement does state that both her salary and “supplemental and media compensation” will be reviewed by the athletic director, “and shall not be less than the previous year.”
Borton, who has been the Gophers women’s basketball coach since 2002-2003, presently earns $335,000 in salary. That amount is $10,000 more than in 2012-2013 and is part of a past series of guaranteed annual salary increases described in her employment agreement. Borton’s supplemental and media compensation has also increased annually in the past and is $150,000 for 2013-2014, or $5,000 more than in 2012-2013.
Not only are Borton’s earnings for 2014-2015 to be determined, but there is also speculation about her job status. Athletic director Norwood Teague has declined opportunities during the last several days in both the Pioneer Press and Star Tribune to talk about the coach’s future.
The Gophers’ season ended in a third round WNIT game last night in Brookings, South Dakota. The South Dakota State Jackrabbits defeated the Gophers, 70-62.
The program has faltered since the glory days of 2003, 2004 and 2005 when Minnesota played in the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16 twice and Final Four once. Borton’s teams haven’t qualified for the tournament for five years. The Gophers were 6th in the Big Ten Conference standings this season, an improvement over the previous four years of 11th, 9th and two 8th place finishes.
Interest in the program and home attendance has faltered, too. The Gophers averaged 3,178 this season before hosting two WNIT games that drew announced Williams Arena crowds of 950 and 587. Attendance once averaged more than 9,000 per game.
Teague neither hired Borton nor gave her the 2012 contract extension that runs through 2016. Teague, who has been Minnesota’s athletic director for less than two years, is a knowledgeable basketball administrator and gave men’s coach Tubby Smith only one season before dismissing him last March.
Borton’s employment agreement states she can be let go “without just cause” and the University must pay half her salaries for the remaining years of the agreement. There are two years remaining at $335,000 per season. Her agreement with the University runs through April 30, 2016.
…The Gophers men’s team plays Florida State in the semifinals of the NIT in New York on Tuesday night. Minnesota defeated the Seminoles 71-61 in a nonconference game at Williams Arena in December.
Minnesota players and coaches held a meeting to discuss the NIT prior to the tournament starting. Some teams may not be focused in the NIT because of disappointment from failing to qualify for the more prestigious NCAA Tournament, but the Gophers thought differently. “We decided we want to go win this thing, so that’s what we’re going to do,” Gophers junior forward Oto Osenieks told Sports Headliners.
Minnesota has NIT wins over High Point, Saint Mary’s and Southern Mississippi. A win next Tuesday puts Minnesota into the championship game two nights later. The 2012 Gophers played in the title game but lost.
Gophers junior guard Andre Hollins said the loss left a “sour taste” with him and his teammates. “You get that close to a championship and you lose, you don’t forget that,” he said. “It will stay with me forever.”
Two years ago the Gophers went into overtime before defeating Washington in a semifinal game. Minnesota players were fatigued for the championship game two nights later. Stanford defeated the Gophers with ease, 75-51.
The 2014 Gophers believe they have more players who can come off the bench and provide energy if the starters are tired. “This year we’re definitely deeper and I think it’s going to help us,” said junior center Elliott Eliason.
Without a career high 32 points by Austin Hollins on Tuesday night against Southern Mississippi, the Gophers wouldn’t be preparing for New York and Florida State. The senior guard, who scored 18 during a first half Minnesota comeback, made his last game in Williams Arena something to remember.
“He went out with a bang,” Andre Hollins said. “That‘s what you dream of. I am proud of him.”
Although the Gophers hosted three NIT games at Williams Arena, they don’t keep the gate receipts. The NIT, owned by the NCAA, retains the revenues from games but pays for the expenses of teams.
…Timberwolves fans have reason to watch Iowa State’s Sweet 16 game tonight against Connecticut. Cyclones coach Fred Hoiberg should be considered if Wolves coach Rick Adelman, 67, decides to retire this spring.
Hoiberg played two seasons for the Wolves and later worked in the team’s front office before accepting the Iowa State job, his first head coaching position. He has revived Cyclones basketball during the last four seasons while adding to his legend in Ames. Hoiberg attended high school in Ames and was a star player for the Cyclones where he became known as “The Mayor.”
Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor is fond of him. It’s difficult not to like the personable Hoiberg who was popular in Minneapolis and has proven in Ames he can coach. Part of his coaching success has come from working successfully with troubled players who seem to have a new outlook after transferring from other schools.
Hoiberg’s skill in dealing with difficult personalities would give him an edge in today’s NBA. At 41 he can relate to players and has the energy needed for the NBA grind.
No doubt Hoiberg feels loyalty to his alma mater. Athletic director Jamie Pollard hired him, taking a chance on someone with no head coaching experience. Still, Hoiberg might feel more comfortable leaving Ames for a pro job rather than another college position.
And coming home to Minnesota—where the family has owned a lake cabin and already knows the Wolves organization—could be an overture Hoiberg probably won’t quickly disregard.
…Saint John’s men’s basketball coach Jim Smith will be 80 in June, but if you think he will announce his retirement soon, think again.
Smith told Sports Headliners he has no plans to quit coaching the Johnnies. He enjoys his work and the association with his players. “I am sure I will know when it is time (to retire),” he said.
Smith is energetic and not concerned about the approaching eight-zero. “I don’t feel it (80),” he said.
He just completed his 50th season in Collegeville. The Johnnies were 15-11 overall and 13-7 in the MIAC where they tied for fourth place.
The overall win total pushed his career record to 770-546. Smith is one of 27 men’s college coaches to have 700 career victories. His better teams include a couple that pressed for national championships. “If I have any regrets it would be not winning a national title,” he said.
The 2001 team made it to the NCAA Division III Sweet 16. That’s not so long ago and maybe the coach has another long tournament run to make.
The Johnnies will hold their season ending banquet on April 12.