If Smith stays here he’s almost a lock to see successful fundraising result in a new practice facility. Dutcher said the age of Williams Arena is a recruiting detriment and a new practice facility will help ease that burden.
Again, will Smith stay? Who knows for sure and what’s to be believed? Dutcher and others found it a bit curious that before last week’s NCAA tournament Smith publicly praised assistant coach Vince Taylor as a man ready to run his own program. Some could view that sales job as evidence Smith was on his way out of Minneapolis and wanted Taylor to replace him.
Dutcher is willing to believe Smith had no motives beyond showcasing his assistant for other schools. “I will take him at his word that he thinks here’s a guy that deserves a chance and he wants people to know that he’s got an assistant that has earned the right to have his own team,” Dutcher said.
With the team only expected to lose seniors Lawrence Westbrook, Damian Johnson and Devron Bostick, the Gophers could have another NCAA team next season. Those prospects are enhanced if point guard Al Nolen regains his eligibility and power forward Trevor Mbakwe has his team suspension lifted following resolution of a legal issue in Florida.
One matter Dutcher said that clearly needs to be resolved is the status of power forward Royce White who received mega publicity during the basketball season but never played because of off the court problems. Although he’s not in school, there remains this speculative cloud about White and the Gophers that he might rejoin the program. Dutcher said the White saga has been a distraction.
By next season the Gophers need fewer off court distractions and that hopefully will include rumors about losing their coach.