The Gophers open their regular season tonight at Williams Arena against Wofford College, a program that made the NCAA tournament last winter. Gophers coach Tubby Smith told Sports Headliners last week before his team had won two exhibition games that “we could be pretty good” this season.
What does that mean? “For me it means reaching our maximum potential,” he answered. “What that is no one knows. …”
Smith said “our goal” is to win the Big Ten championship. He believes his team is a title contender in a league that many consider the best in the country.
Vital to success will be each player accepting his role, according to the coach who has had 20-win seasons in his first three years at Minnesota. Players must play for the team, not themselves. “Forget yourself for others and you’ll never be forgotten,” he said.
Among the Gophers leaders will be point guard Al Nolen, a senior who missed much of the last conference season because he was academically ineligible. Nolen has struggled his entire career with outside shooting. But Smith isn’t “concerned” about the outside shot, insisting that Nolen’s exceptional defense, plus ball distribution, penetrating and free throws is what he’s looking for.
“If he knocks down open shots that’s a real plus,” Smith said. “That’s a big time bonus. I am looking for him to do the things he does best.”
The Gophers freshmen class of Maverick Ahanmisi, Chip Armelin, Elliott Eliason, Austin Hollins, Oto Osenieks and Maurice Walker has impressed Smith. He respects their work ethic and other character traits more than any freshmen group he’s coached during his long career. “They’re a special group,” he said. “…Just the right kind of people.”