David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Pitino: Gophers Program ‘Can Win Big’

Posted on November 2, 2015November 2, 2015 by David Shama

Richard Pitino—the Big Ten’s youngest head coach at 33 years old—started his third year as Gophers basketball coach last night in an exhibition game win against Minnesota Crookston at Williams Arena. In his first season the Gophers probably exceeded expectations, winning 25 games including the NIT championship in New York. Last year preseason predictions had the Gophers finishing among the top five or six teams in the Big Ten Conference but instead Minnesota landed near the bottom with a 6-12 league record.

Ask the experts what awaits the 2015-2016 Gophers and the stock answer is this: “Not so good.” The consensus is Minnesota lacks the talent to do much better than ninth or 10th in the standings. The Gophers have three starters returning from last year’s team but those players have plenty to prove, and the same can be said for the newcomers on the roster.

Pitino, with a two-year Big Ten record of 14-22 and no NCAA Tournament appearances yet, knows he needs to enhance his results. He came to Minnesota with just one season of previous head coaching experience—at Florida International where his 18-14 team had the school’s first winning year since 1999-2000. Seen as a guy with East Coast roots and the son of coaching legend Rick Pitino, there’s been speculation since coming to Minneapolis that Richard will treat the Gophers as a stepping stone.

But in an exclusive interview with Sports Headliners, Pitino talked about his commitment to Minnesota—along with many other subjects. Pitino was personable and thorough during a visit in his office where he discussed the coming season, what he learned from close losses last season, the long-term potential of his program and whether the Gophers are going to host a game with his father’s Louisville Cardinals.

The following interview also included subjects beyond basketball to provide readers insights about Pitino the person, not just the coach. His responses have partially been edited for brevity and clarity.

You can bet this about the 2015-2016 Gophers: I would hope that we compete regardless of the circumstances at the highest possible level—and play as hard as we possibly can. Get the most out of our abilities individually and…as a team. (I) would hope that we’re playing our best basketball at the end of the year, not at the beginning.

Who are the players vital to Minnesota’s success this season? Probably the six returners (Charles Buggs, Gaston Diedhiou, Joey King, Bakary Konaté, Nate Mason and Carlos Morris). I would say those guys are extremely important because they played last year, so they know what to expect. It’s crucial that they take the next steps and get the younger guys better, and get them…ready for what’s coming.

What did you learn as a coach last season losing nine games by six points or less? I think the one thing I’ve taken out of it is do a better job of preparing your guys. Getting your guys to prepare for the fact that it’s not (always) going to go your way. …It’s how do you respond to that adversity, and that’s something we’re really, really working on a lot.

What will it take to eventually win a Big Ten championship? And even multiple Big Ten championships? Stability would be one (thing). You look at the programs that have been good every single year, there’s stability, (and) there’s continuity from the (school) president all the way down to the head coach, assistant coaches and strength coach. That is so crucial. (Also) great recruiting, and not just one class but three, four, five classes to where you get great stability…because unfortunately you deal with injuries.

What’s the likelihood of Minnesota winning a Big Ten championship in the next five years? As a coach you don’t really think that way, but that’s something that we’re building towards, and that’s a dream of ours…to do it. I think we’re moving in that direction. We know there’s a lot of great teams, there’s a lot of great programs. In order for us to do it, we’re going to have to be a really strong program and that’s something we’re moving towards.

People who think I won’t be at Minnesota long-term should know: They probably don’t know how much I love it here. My wife loves it here, our kids (too). I think the biggest thing is there is no reason why we can’t win and win big here. It just takes time. I am really enjoying the journey getting towards that.

If you were a Gopher player what would you think of coach Pitino? He’s a guy who is really, really eager to build this (program) into a powerhouse. Really wants to do it together. Very fair, very honest about the right things, and extremely hard worker.

What’s your worst personal habit? Probably drink too much coffee.

What is a perfect meal? My wife—once in a blue moon—will cook a chicken, broccoli and ziti (dinner). I can’t eat that a lot because I gotta fit into my suits, but that would be my favorite meal.

What really makes you laugh? I turn on “Seinfeld” or “Curb Your Enthusiasm” on the DVR, and I laugh before I go to bed. I do that almost every night.

When can fans expect a game against Louisville and your father Rick in Minneapolis? I don’t know if it will ever happen—to be honest with you. We did it once and it was great (2014 neutral site game in Puerto Rico). …I am not so sure if we’ll do it (schedule Louisville) because I like kind of having him on our team. I like having my family always on my team, just like we’re on his team.

What is the hardest thing about your job? Getting young college athletes to block out all the distractions and just focus. Cell phones are just consuming people’s lives. (I want the players) to not worry about what people are saying about them on Twitter (and) Instagram, and just focus solely on the team. We live in a distraction- filled world. That’s probably the biggest obstacle we’re trying to overcome. (Also) get them to be patient. That’s very difficult for everyone.

What’s the easiest thing about your job? The easy thing is coming to work every single day and being excited about what we’re doing. I don’t know how many times I say…to my wife how much I love living here. How much I love working at the University of Minnesota. How much I love our team, our staff.

How would you summarize your basketball philosophy? Our goal is to attack offensively, attack defensively. Kind of have that mentality of playing up-tempo, playing fast. Speeding up our opponent is something that we’re really striving to do. Making them uncomfortable, as well as being able to operate in some kind of organized chaos. In order to do (all) that you have to have great athletes. You’ve (also) got to have great length, and that’s something we’re moving towards.

How will the new basketball practice facility help the program? It shows people locally and nationally that we mean business. Anytime you invest that amount of money, it shows commitment. It shows that you want to compete with all these other teams. Certainly from a day-to-day standpoint for the players, you now have everything under one roof. …It’s going to elevate our program.

If you have any down time what do you like to do? Family and golf would be the two things that I love to do. (Family consists of wife Jill, four-year-old Ava and one-year-old Jack.)

What’s your lucky charm? Probably my kids. I think when I see them I know I am lucky. Kids don’t care if you win or lose.

What is your favorite movie of all-time? It’s gotta be the “Godfather.”

What’s your favorite music? What I do a lot in the morning is I type Tom Petty, Pandora (Internet Radio). I kind of like that genre of the Tom Pettys of the world—Pearl Jam, Dave Matthews Band. I am kind of open to everything. I love listening to music. Gets your mind off of other things (and) puts you in a good mood.

Four people from history—or alive today—you would most want to invite to dinner: You have to go Jesus (first). Derek Jeter is an athlete that I’ve always kind of admired from afar and I wouldn’t mind spending some time with him. Martin Luther King would be one, just the courage…during that time. It’s always been something that I really, really admired. Lastly, it would have to be Larry David (producer and comic) because I think the guy is absolutely hilarious. He would definitely be the comedic part of the dinner.

What are three favorite college basketball arenas where you have coached? The Breslin Center (Michigan State) was the most impressive college environment I’ve been in. Rupp Arena, where Kentucky plays, (has) got some tradition, obviously. I think Williams Arena has got such a charm about it, such a mystique. It reminds me of the Wrigley Field of college basketball.

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College Title Game Likely Coming Here

Posted on October 30, 2015October 30, 2015 by David Shama

An announcement regarding the site for the College Football Playoff Championship Game in 2020 is expected early next month. My prediction is Minneapolis and U.S. Bank Stadium will be the city and venue announced.

A site committee headed by CFP executive director Bill Hancock visited Minneapolis earlier this fall. The group left town impressed by a presentation similar to what Minnesota leaders used to convince Super Bowl and NCAA Final Four authorities to bring those events to U.S. Bank Stadium in 2018 and 2019.

Last spring governor Mark Dayton announced the formation of the Minnesota CFP Steering Committee comprised of representatives from the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority, Meet Minneapolis/Sports Minneapolis, the Vikings and the University of Minnesota. The CFP organization announced in late May bids had been received from the Bay Area (Santa Clara game site), Charlotte, Houston, Minnesota, New Orleans and San Antonio to host the 2020 game to be played on Monday, January 13.

The selection of a northern city to host the game would add diversity to the site locations. The inaugural game last January was played in Arlington, Texas. Glendale, Arizona will host the game next January and Tampa will be site for 2017. The CFP organization is expected to announce next month its choices of host cities for 2018, 2019 and 2020. Minnesota didn’t submit bids for 2018 or 2019.

The successful winter hosting of the 1992 Super Bowl in Minneapolis and the eagerness of NFL officials to return the game here in 2018 could certainly have played a part in easing any concerns about the weather by CFP authorities. This area offers a state-of-the-art domed venue in U.S. Bank Stadium and also covered practice facilities owned by the Gophers and Vikings. Positives also include Minneapolis’ reputation as an easy to reach travel destination, with varied local transportation including light rail, and a city offering facilities to host ancillary CFP events. The city’s famous skyway system allows visitors to walk around downtown without going outdoors.

Worth Noting

The Vikings and Gophers already have covered practice facilities, and seem targeted to have new ones by 2020 when the CFP Game will likely be played here. The Vikings appear headed toward developing a complex in Eagan that will include offices and practice facilities. The Gophers today will host a ceremonial groundbreaking event on the East Campus for the new Athletes Village that will include a new football practice facility.

During the time Jerry Kill was the Gophers head football coach the state’s high school football coaches have been among his vocal admirers. After Kill’s resignation on Wednesday the Minnesota Football Coaches Association distributed a tribute that said the coach gave “every minute of his time and every ounce of his energy” to not only his players and assistants, but also to the public including causes both large and small. “No request was denied, no cause too minor,” the statement said. “He was and is the ultimate giver. …From the very bottom of our collective hearts, THANK YOU, COACH.”

The are “still a limited number of tickets” available for the Gophers Halloween night game Saturday against Michigan, according to an athletic department spokesman. The game could be Minnesota’s fifth consecutive home sellout this season. The Wolverines, college football’s winningest program, are always a gate attraction but adding to the hype this season is the debut of glamour coach Jim Harbaugh who after a star career as Michigan’s quarterback developed winning teams at Stanford and with the NFL’s 49ers.

The Wolverines, who prior to Harbaugh’s arrival this year were struggling, are among the surprise teams in college football. Michigan, 5-2, has lost only to Pac-12 power Utah in an opening game and to Michigan State on a fluke fumble by the Wolverines punter.

When Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany was in Minneapolis earlier this month he was asked about Harbaugh’s impact on the conference. “He’s got a great track-record as a player and coach,” Delany answered. “Only halfway through the season but they’ve played awful well. The Michigan people are excited. A great conference needs great coaches, and needs great programs. I think that in football and in basketball we’re well positioned with some of the coach-teacher leaders that we have, and obviously Jim is off to a fabulous start.”

Because of the Kill resignation and being major underdogs, the Gophers will be a national story if they can win Saturday’s game. The Wolverines, who have shutout three opponents and lead Big Ten teams in six defensive categories, are likely to go into the game favored by a couple of touchdowns.

College football authority Jerry Palm has the Gophers, 4-3, as one of 10 Big Ten teams who will play in a bowl game. Palm, writing this week for Cbssports.com, predicts Minnesota will play Air Force December 29 in the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl in Fort Worth.

The Timberwolves opened their season Wednesday night with a comeback one point win in Los Angeles against a Lakers team that was 21-61 last season. “They’re still going to be really, really bad.” That’s a quote about the Lakers from an anonymous scout in the October 26 issue of Sports Illustrated.

In the magazine’s NBA preview issue the Lakers are predicted to finish 14th among 15 Western Conference teams. The Timberwolves, 16-66 last season, are forecast to finish 12th. The Cavs, whose key players include former Wolves star Kevin Love, are the choice to defeat the Thunder for the NBA title.

NBA.com surveyed the league’s general manager with questions about teams and players. The Wolves Andrew Wiggins, who was the Kia NBA Rookie of the Year last season, drew the most support as the player expected to have a breakout year. Among NBA rookies this season, the Wolves Karl-Anthony Towns is a runaway choice to be the best player in five years.

Basketball stat of the day: with a career record of 172-68 (.717 percent) Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan has the highest Big Ten winning percentage in conference history.

Among the newcomers to watch on the Gophers basketball team is 6-6 freshman forward Jordan Murphy from San Antonio. “He can jump with anybody (on the team),” teammate Charles Buggs told Sports Headliners. Murphy averaged 23.6 points and 10.5 rebounds as a high school senior.

Buggs, a 6-9 junior forward, wears size 17 shoes. Reggie Lynch, the 6-10 junior center who isn’t eligible this season after transferring from Illinois State, wears size 18 shoes, the biggest on the team, according to Buggs.

Buggs, who has increased his weight from 210 to 230 through training and by eating four to five meals per day, has a 3.0 GPA and is a sports management major. He spent part of the offseason working events at TCF Bank Stadium.

The Gophers play Minnesota Crookston in an exhibition game Sunday starting at 4 p.m. in Williams Arena. BTN Plus will televise the game.

After winning Tuesday night, the Wild is now 21-3-1 in its last 25 games against the Oilers. Tonight the Wild plays the Blackhawks at Xcel Energy Center. In the last 15 games between the two clubs eight have been decided by one goal and four were shootouts.

Two former Gophers hockey players, now coaches at Hamline, are about to start their seasons. Hamline men’s coach Cory Laylin, whose team last winter won the MIAC playoffs after a fifth place regular season, will send his Pipers into games tomorrow night and Sunday afternoon against Gustavus Adolphus and Saint Mary’s as part of the MIAC Men’s Hockey Showcase in Blaine. Natalie Darwitz starts her first season coaching the women’s team with games at Concordia (WI) tonight and tomorrow afternoon.

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U Needs to Find a Role for Jerry Kill

Posted on October 28, 2015October 28, 2015 by David Shama

I have sat in Jerry Kill’s office when he talked about “not stealing” from the University of Minnesota. What he meant was that if he ever thought he wasn’t up to the job as head football coach he would walk away.

In this morning’s unexpected and emotion-drenched news conference Kill announced that time has come. Those who care deeply about the University and Gophers football are saddened to lose one of the finest individuals who ever worked in the athletic department.

Kill’s fabric is built on character including the virtues of nurturing, integrity and hard work. After suffering recent seizures and only having a few hours sleep at night, he decided to step down as Gophers coach. As he cried at today’s news conference he poured out his emotions and thoughts including his concern about what he will do with the rest of his life.

Kill is 54 years old and while he has a history of seizures and cancer he still has much to contribute to this world. He wants to do something meaningful. The pressure cooker of being a big time college football coach isn’t in his future but he won’t want to sit in a rocking chair day after day.

Doctors and family will help Kill make a decision going forward as to what he can do with his life. Maybe his path will be focusing on his Chasing the Dreams fund to benefit people with epilepsy and seizures.

But what University president Eric Kaler must do is dialogue with Kill over the coming weeks and months about whether there is the right fit for a position at Minnesota. Knowing Kill as I do, it’s almost impossible to imagine that there couldn’t be an appropriate assignment—even if it was part time.

Kill is so respected and loved by so many supporters of the University there is no question they would want him to continue officing in Dinkytown. He played a major role in the fundraising that has resulted in the Athletes Village project for which ground will be broken on Friday. His reputation, people skills and relationships would allow him to be an extraordinary fundraiser for the athletic department which still is only about halfway home in raising funds for new and renovated facilities. Whether Kill’s interest and health would allow him to do more than wear the hat of a full or part-time fundraiser remains to be seen.

Also, it’s no secret the Gophers need a permanent athletic director. If Kill thought he was healthy enough and had the energy he would be fabulous at the job. Over 30 years in coaching has given him great experience in athletics. Kill would bring so many of the attributes to an administrative role that he showcased as the Gophers football coach. The quality of the assistant coaches he has hired and the loyalty they have shown to him demonstrates his skill in assembling and keeping a staff in place. He set high standards for excellence including wins on the field. He was committed to the welfare of those around him including his assistant coaches and players. He was honest and direct with people, sometimes telling them what they needed to know even if they didn’t want to hear it.

Kill took over a terrible football program in December of 2010 and made it into something the state of Minnesota is proud of. The Gophers, once a laughing stock of the Big Ten, are now a competitive team, and within a season or two Minnesota could exceed the eight win years of 2013 and 2014.

Kill has turned around the football program beyond the playing field. His team collectively had a 3.04 GPA last spring semester and his players are earning their degrees after he inherited a program where players were on academic probation and not attending classes. Also, ask the University police and Minneapolis police if there hasn’t been a dramatic change in off-field behavior.

The Gophers lost the face of their athletic department today. The University lost the most beloved leader at the school. It’s up to Kaler now to dialogue with Kill and determine whether this extraordinary leader wants to continue on at the University.

Kill was a damn fine coach. He is an even better educator and human being.

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