Vikings – Page 141 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

ESPN Expert Lauds Jordan Murphy

Posted on November 30, 2017November 30, 2017 by David Shama

Gophers junior forward Jordan Murphy is off to one of the most impressive starts in college basketball this season. He entered last night’s game against Miami averaging 22 points and 12.3 rebounds. Although No. 12 ranked Minnesota lost 86-81 to No. 10 Miami at Williams Arena, Murphy had his eighth consecutive season opening double-double in points and rebounds, totaling 17 and 14.

Murphy began this season with career averages of 11.4 points and 8.4 rebounds, and had a low profile nationally, but everything has changed. ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla, in Minneapolis for the nationally televised game last night, has been following Murphy since he arrived at Minnesota as only a three-star recruit from San Antonio.

“He is one of the most improved players in the country,” Fraschilla told Sports Headliners prior to the game. “He will be in the running for Big Ten Player of the Year because to this point in the season he has an impact on the game that few have. Even at 6-foot-6, he dominates the game inside. He’s also improved his ability to drive from the top of the key to the basket. He will be a very hard matchup for anybody in the Big Ten.”

Fraschilla described Murphy as a “nightmare” for defenders to stay in front of. The powerful 6-6, 240 athlete has strength, quickness and jumping ability. He can go through, around and over defensive players. He has strong hands, with the timing and athleticism to block shots and make steals.

“He’s a guy you have to talk about as a potential All-American candidate, if not this year, definitely next year,” Fraschilla said.

A former head coach at St. John’s and New Mexico, Fraschilla is friends with Providence coach Ed Cooley who said that in his six years leading the Friars Murphy was the most difficult player he’s had to prepare for. “That’s a heck of a compliment,” Fraschilla said. “Then they game planned for him and he still dominated the game. That tells you something. ”

Murphy photo courtesy Minnesota Athletic Communications

Murphy had 23 points and 14 rebounds in leading the Gophers to an impressive road win over Providence on November 13. Games like that have resulted in Murphy being named the Big Ten’s Player of the Week for three consecutive weeks. He is the first player since 2009 (Ohio State’s Evan Turner) to earn the award three straight weeks.

Fraschilla said it’s too early to know if Murphy can become an NBA first round draft choice, perhaps as early as next year. Years ago Murphy would have been profiled as too short to play power forward and too lacking in small forward skills to play that spot, but in today’s league there is emphasis on versatile players who can play multiple positions and possess multiple skills. “You know Draymond Green (Warriors) used to be a tweener; now we just call him an All-Star,” Fraschila said.

Fraschilla can see a future where it benefits Murphy to play four seasons with the Gophers. “He is going to be an intriguing prospect for (NBA) teams but there’s still aspects of his game he’s got to work on including his outside shooting,” Fraschilla said. “But I would not experiment (on perimeter shooting) if I were him at the expense of dominating the game inside.”

Worth Noting

Seen at last night’s Minnesota-Miami game were Vikings players Teddy Bridgewater, Adam Thielen and Jarius Wright, and club executives Bob Hagan and Lester Bagley.

Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen has three sons, including a new-born this month, and he approves of them playing football when they are high school freshmen, but not before because of potential blows to the head.

The price is six-figures but suites are available in U.S. Bank Stadium for the Minneapolis Super Bowl in February. Suite holders receive access four hours before kickoff and perks include food and beverages, and a meet-and-greet with an NFL legend.

Former Maple Grove High School basketball players Brad Davison of Wisconsin and Tywhon Pickford from Northern Iowa were honored this week by the Big Ten and Missouri Valley conferences. Davison, who averaged 15 points and two steals in three games last week, was named Big Ten co-freshman of the week along with Michigan State’s Jaren Jackson Jr. The freshman guard from Minnesota shot 50 percent in games last week and had a career high of 19 points against Milwaukee.

Pickford, who averaged 12.7 points and 12.7 rebounds last week, led the Panthers to an upset win over North Carolina State when he had 18 points and 18 rebounds. The freshman guard is the current MVC Newcomer of the Week.

The Badgers have decided not to redshirt former Lakeville North star Nathan Reuvers. The freshman forward has now played in two games for Wisconsin.

American universities have long been involved with sports but that model is different than other countries where clubs and other organizations provide opportunities for athletes. Former Gophers athletics director Joel Maturi has been volunteering his time to consult with Japanese educators interested in the American model.

Tsukuba University in Japan is going to start an athletics program next spring. Maturi was asked to be the interim head of athletics at the school for a year but he declined.

Gophers’ football coach P.J. Fleck turned 37 yesterday. November 29 is also the birthday of Iowa State coach Matt Campbell who is now 38.

Popular Pioneer Press sports columnist Charley Walters on why he doesn’t accept speaking engagements: “I abhor speaking. I am not very good at it and I got nothing to say—and I’ll probably have a toothache that day.”

If the regular season ended today, the Wild would not be one of the five teams from the Western Conference qualifying for the playoffs. The Blues, coached by former Wild boss Mike Yeo, have the best record in the conference at 17-7-1 and 35 points.

Thanks for the emails from readers who enjoyed Tuesday’s column reminiscing about Memorial Stadium. Former Gopher Paul Ramseth (1961-63) wrote that stadium memories brought “tears to my eyes.” Another reader said the Gophers lost their last game ever in the stadium when coaches didn’t realize the defense only had 10 players on the field.

Here are Sports Headliners’ power rankings of Big Ten football teams: Ohio State, Wisconsin, Penn State, Michigan State, Northwestern, Michigan, Iowa, Purdue, Indiana, Rutgers, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska and Illinois.

Quarterback has often been a position of frustration for Gophers fans. Minnesota hasn’t had a quarterback drafted by the NFL since Craig Curry in 1972.

The Lynx began a two-day garage sale this morning featuring discounted merchandise, bobbleheads, jerseys and other items. The sale, on the skyway level of Mayo Clinic Square, is from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days, and will also offer some Timberwolves items for purchase.

Comments Welcome

Myles Standish, Me & Thanksgiving

Posted on November 20, 2017November 20, 2017 by David Shama

Thanksgiving has always been near the top of my favorite holidays. Perhaps my feelings were founded during grade school while playing the role of Myles Standish in a stage production about the Pilgrims and Thanksgiving. The memory is enduring, although it was my first and last time on stage. Sir Tyrone Guthrie never came knocking on my door.

In this space you won’t find any Grand Turkey winners (see the Strib’s Patrick Reusse for that). Instead, I want to reference individuals who I am thankful for—and please give me a pass for many others I should have singled out.

I begin with my Website readers, some of whom have followed this effort since my 2006 startup. The encouragement and appreciation expressed by them has played a significant role in my continuing to crank out over 115 columns per year. Thank you.

Gratitude also to my amazing wife who cares little about college or professional sports but graciously edits almost every column before being published.

Thanks to all the advertisers, past and present, who have supported my efforts and made it possible for others to enjoy this Website’s reporting and commentary. It’s also satisfying to learn about readers who told advertisers they saw their ads on my site.

When my Website needs code to be written, or the server is down, it’s my go-to guys David and Dan who always pitch in. Gracias!

I battled many times on the court with my tennis buddy and lifelong friend Myron, but more importantly he’s one of the special people who taught me about the importance of family.

Happy Thanksgiving to my oldest son Bill, who despite seldom playing tennis, once beat me on a cold, windy and miserable day on the North Shore, and forever proclaimed himself the “Two Harbors Family Tennis Champion.”

With admiration to my other son, Joel, who is a Father of the Year candidate every year to his young son Chase.

I still feel sad Jerry Kill had to abruptly end his career as the Golden Gophers football coach two years ago but Minnesotans should give thanks for how he revitalized the program on the field, in the classroom and in the community. We’re all better for having witnessed his character and commitment.

Count Jim Carter as one of Kill’s friends and mine, too. I love Carter’s passion for making the University of Minnesota extraordinary in every way.

How do I not root for Paul Molitor? He went through some rough times decades ago but has emerged as a genuine hero who treats others with kindness and consideration.

Maybe you know someone who’s filled with common sense and wisdom. Jim Dutcher is a treasure to me.

Without Glen Taylor, this town might not have professional basketball. He could be the world’s nicest billionaire.

CORES lunches and programs are always a hit. I appreciate Jim Dotseth and Phil Frerk for their information and invites.

Thanks to Adam Thielen for almost always being available in the Vikings Winter Park locker room to answer questions—in good times and bad.

WCHA commissioner Bill Robertson provides timely insights about media and sports, and is a pleasure to be with.

They say you find out who your friends are when tough times hit. Al Nuness has been there for me.

Wednesdays are pizza media days at Winter Park and it’s fun times sharing memories and laughs with Charley Walters, while chewing on the “meat lovers special.”

Part of the fun in covering sports is being around young athletes, and admiring the charisma and passion for life many possess. A favorite is Apple Valley High School’s Tre Jones who has a smile and presence that lights up even a dark gym.

I have known Dave Mona for a long time and I thank him for the opportunities he has extended to me including leading the Twin Cities Dunkers a few years ago.

Thank you Dave St. Peter for unfailingly responding to my emails requesting interviews about the Twins.

My best wishes to a couple of close friends who have lost loved ones this year, and battled physical challenges. Among the redeeming things about sports is that if only for a moment, what we see on ball fields and courts can lessen our burdens.

I want to remember those who have passed from this earth, including the late Frank Jirik from Met Center and the North Stars. He was a great mentor and may have invented Polish jokes. Nobody did them better.

My memories of the late Herb Brooks are enduring, too. He always was so giving and unselfish with his time.

Nobody could send chills up and down the spine talking about the Golden Gophers like the late Paul Giel. “Old No. 10” made friends wherever he went.

Who doesn’t miss Harmon Killebrew? He was the Twins greatest slugger and a hall of fame player and person.

Today’s media news world has a lot of practitioners of “get it first and let’s hope we’re right.” I try to remember the time-proven principles of accuracy, fairness and objectivity. Thankful when I do so.

In a crazy and sometimes cruel world, hope you find peace and happiness this Thanksgiving!

3 comments

Vikings Teddy Talk Just ‘Idle Gossip’

Posted on November 16, 2017November 17, 2017 by David Shama

Mike Zimmer sent a message to Vikings fans yesterday with his announcement Case Keenum will continue to be the starting quarterback when the Vikings play the Rams Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium. Teddy Bridgewater fans hoped for different news but Zimmer isn’t about to change starters when his team has won five consecutive games with Keenum and is leading the NFC North with a 7-2 record.

Bridgewater hasn’t played in a meaningful game in almost two years, dating back to the January, 2016 playoff loss to the Seahawks. The devastating knee injury he suffered in late August of 2016 has kept him sidelined until November 8 of this year when he was activated to play. During the two seasons of 2014 and 2015 he flashed potential and won over fans as much with his personality as his skill set.

But fans wish for a lot of things, and often they need to be careful what they wish for. They look at Keenum as a journeyman quarterback and see Bridgewater as the flag bearer for the Vikings franchise. Eventually that might be reality but for now the Vikings aren’t going to change quarterbacks—demoting one who is on the same page with his receivers and turning to a guy trying to get acclimated again with the job and its demands.

Case Keenum (photo courtesy of Minnesota Vikings)

Former Viking Bob Lurtsema is on board with Zimmer’s decision—one the coach labeled “not difficult” yesterday. “You don’t take the most important part of the puzzle out, which obviously is the quarterback in today’s passing league,” Lurtsema told Sports Headliners.

Lurtsema looks at the offense, including the passing game, and he sees a unit playing at a high level because the players (including the linemen) are in synch with each other. “This talk about bringing Teddy Bridgewater back, that’s idle gossip,” Lurtsema said. “You know how much I love Teddy, and you’re not going to find a better kid than Teddy. But when they work (Keenum and receivers) in practice together the timing of all the receivers is spectacular. I think the whole thing there is just a matter of a group playing together.”

Keenum, who signed with the Vikings in the offseason as a free agent to be a backup, could have the best season of his five-year career with three NFL teams. “He’s smart as hell,” Lurtsema said.

The Vikings’ offense has improved from last season under offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur. He is in his first full season as OC after succeeding Norv Turner in November of 2016.

“He’s a wizard,” Vikings wide receiver Michael Floyd said about Shurmur. “He has a lot of things going on in his head. So far he’s doing an unbelievable job of getting guys in position to be successful. So that’s what you want to see.”

Among those benefitting from Shurmur’s offense is wide receiver Adam Thielen who is third in the NFL in receiving yards with 793. Thielen agrees Shurmur is effective in letting his players do the things they are capable of.

“I don’t think he really cares who gets the ball,” Thielen said. “He just wants this offense to be successful and he wants to help this team win games.”

Last year the Viking offense finished 28th in the 32-team NFL in both points per game (20.4) and yards (315.1). Through nine games in 2017 the Vikings are 10th in points at 24.1 and ninth in yards with 363.8.

The Rams, 7-2, are averaging a league-leading 32.9 points per game in their first year with 31-year-old head coach Sean McVay. They are ranked No. 5 and the Vikings No. 6 by SI.com in this week’s power rankings of NFL teams.

Worth Noting

Zimmer, 61, on whether he could imagine being a head coach at 30 years old: “I was trying to figure out where to eat at 30, probably.”

Floyd after being asked about Vikings Super Bowl talk among fans: “You have seven games left. A lot of things can change in seven games. We’re taking it one game at a time.”

Mike Grant has won 10 state titles as Eden Prairie’s head football coach. He told Sports Headliners to win championships three things need to happen—have talent, avoid injuries, and be lucky including how the ball bounces and the calls made by game officials.

Grant’s undefeated Eagles play Maple Grove tonight at U.S. Bank Stadium in the Class 6A State Tournament semifinals. The coaches and teams know each other, having played twice last year, and once this season when the Eagles won 28-7. “We don’t expect a lot of things different,” Grant said.

The 9-1 St. Thomas football team that plays at home Saturday against Eureka in a first round Division III playoff game has outscored its last two regular season opponents 155 to 7.

True Thompson, son of Gophers all-time leading rusher Darrell Thompson, is being recruited as a 2018 walk-on by Minnesota. True, an Armstrong High alum, is a wide receiver at Iowa Western Community College.

The Gophers’ best player next year could be sophomore safety Antoine Winfield Jr. who played in four games this season before becoming inactive because of a hamstring injury. Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck said Winfield is progressing on his recovery.

“…He’s not practicing, but he’s going through some small things at the end of practice to be able to rehab, get back into things pretty slow. But I expect him to be full (ready) by spring ball for sure,” Fleck said.

Senior defensive tackle Steven Richardson was a preseason all-Big Ten nominee and Saturday he will be with the Gophers in his home town of Chicago playing against Northwestern. His statistics, including just seven unassisted tackles and 11 assisted, aren’t impressive, but Fleck estimated Richardson has been double-teamed “about 90 percent of the time.” Fleck believes Richardson is playing selfless and better than ever.

“…Statistically you’re not seeing it because he’s got to defeat two Big Ten players every single play,” Fleck said. “But…his oar has been in the water. He practices incredibly hard. I know he’s excited to get back to Chicago to play in this game, and I know that everybody wants to do it (win) for Steven.”

It’s still a head-scratcher as to why the Twins created so much drama in waiting to extend Paul Molitor’s contract. In his three seasons as Twins manager he has twice been a finalist for the Baseball Writers Association’s American League Manager of the Year Award, and Tuesday night was named the 2017 winner.

Bartolo Colon will be nearing his 45th birthday when the Twins go to spring training next year. The right-hander, who joined the Twins during the 2017 season, is a free agent and reportedly wants to continue a MLB career that began in 1997. The Twins could probably sign him on the cheap and let him compete for one of three open spots in their five-man starting rotation.

Comments Welcome