Last week’s announcement by Cory Joseph that he won’t be coming to the University of Minnesota to play for the Gophers answered one major off-season question about coach Tubby Smith’s program, but several others remain. How those questions are answered will determine the success of the 2010-11 season.
Joseph is one of the elite prep guards in the country and chose Texas. Although the Gophers were on his final list of potential college programs, recruiting sources weren’t surprised he didn’t choose Minnesota. What raises concerns is that since being hired at Minnesota in 2007, Smith and his assistants have yet to convince an elite out of state player to become a Gopher.
Joseph has scoring and play making skills that the Gophers need, particularly at the point guard position. His brother Devoe, a junior next season, will likely play that position if Al Nolen doesn’t return. Nolen is another question in need of an answer. If he can become academically eligible and return for his senior season, the Gophers will have an experienced point guard who is among the best defenders in the Big Ten Conference.
This spring, reserve point guard Justin Cobbs has put the program and news media on alert. He’s made it known transferring to another school is a possibility, perhaps closer to his California home.
While the Gophers await the answer to Cobbs’ future, they can also ponder their front court questions. Paul Carter transferred to be closer to his ill sister but even prior to that announcement the Gophers were stuck in the Trevor Mbakwe and Royce White marathons.
Mbakwe’s basketball eligibility is tied to resolution of an alleged crime in Florida. He missed all of last season because of that situation. White dropped out of school earlier this year after not playing in any games because of off court incidents. White and the Gophers reportedly have interest in a White return, but guess what? There’s no answer yet.
The Gophers have a partial start on developing a competitive Big Ten team for next season with a backcourt of Devoe Joseph and Blake Hoffarber, and a center tandem of Ralph Sampson III and Colton Iverson. But this roster has unanswered depth questions in the backcourt and it’s speculation as to who will start at the power and small forward positions.
Mbakwe or White will likely be the starting power forward, if either is available. Carter’s absence opens the small forward position to a few players, but Rodney Willliams, a freshman last season who averaged 4.2 points per game, is the most likely candidate.
There are so many uncertainties about the program that fans are entitled to wonder “What’s next?” Another transfer or ineligibility? Perhaps the biggest question of all is why so many questions?