ESPN college basketball analyst Dan Dakich told Sports Headliners yesterday the Gophers could be a top five team in a strong Big Ten Conference race next year.
Dakich, a former Indiana player and head coach at Bowling Green, said the Big Ten appears to be “loaded” next season led by Indiana, a team that could be ranked among the nation’s top five in the preseason. The Gophers won six of their last eight games, including four straight in the National Invitation Tournament before losing last night in New York to Stanford in the tourney title game. “This experience (the NIT) has been spectacular for them,” Dakich said.
By extending their season about three extra weeks and winning games, the Gophers gained experience and momentum that will increase chances for success next season. “It’s all about momentum in your program,” Dakich said.
He emphasized momentum creates excitement in the fan base and among the players. Dakich said that kind of environment helps inspire players in their workouts, weightlifting and general preparations for the next season.
Dakich’s projections about the Gophers in 2012-13 assumes the most important players return including the NIT starters and forward Trevor Mbakwe who missed most of the past season with a torn ACL. If Mbawke chooses to play one more season rather than become a professional, he could lead the Big Ten in rebounding and anchor the team’s inside defense. That’s predicated on his recovery from the ACL injury. “He should be fine,” Dakich said.
Dakich said coach Tubby Smith and his staff have done a “great job” of closing out the year after Minnesota had lost seven of eight games in February and finished with a 6-12 conference record. The coaches deserve credit for both improved team and individual play.
Mention the NIT success to Dakich and the first name he talks about is Andre Hollins. The freshman point guard has emerged as a leader, playmaker and scorer. His late game contributions helped Minnesota win games the team was losing earlier in the year. “He’s been the difference (in the NIT run),” Dakich said. “Potentially he can be as good as he wants to be.”
Dakich believes junior forward Rodney Williams should dismiss any thoughts about leaving school to turn pro and come back for one more season. “He needs to prove himself in the Big Ten (over a season),” Dakich said. “He could be as good as anybody in the Big Ten.”
Dakich said the Gophers don’t have to defend the quality of teams they defeated in the NIT. Teams like Pac-12 champ Washington aren’t the equal of the best in the Big Ten but they are competitive clubs. Defeating them has positioned the Gophers for an interesting offseason and possible 2012-13 success.