Amelia on McNeil: I expect we'll see some more of the surprise newbie.

per her Q&A:

@jyoenz: @AmeliaRayno Can we continue to see Daquein McNeil in the rotation during conference play? Been impressed with his play early on.#aMAILiaBAG

Yes, I think the freshman's play is building, Pitino's trust in him is building, and McNeil could continue to be more of an impact role player down the stretch. There is plenty to like, both from his defensive effort and his aggressiveness on offense. He had a couple of really nice drives to the hoop in big moments against Purdue. I expect we'll see some more of the surprise newbie.

http://www.startribune.com/blogs/239137271.html

Go Gophers!!

PiPress: Freshman McNeil earning more court time

Daquein McNeil was surprised when Gophers coach Richard Pitino denied his redshirt request after they met just before the regular season opener in November.

The 6-foot-3 freshman guard was the least experienced player in the University of Minnesota's loaded backcourt this season.

But Pitino, a first-year coach, said he needed McNeil to play because he believed his versatility could help in the Big Ten this year.

"I felt as though I was a little bit behind the other players -- and I wasn't ready yet," McNeil said. "But throughout practice and over the months, I got a little better."

http://www.twincities.com/gophers/c...tball-freshman-mcneil-earning-more-court-time

Go Gophers!!