MN Daily: Pitino juggling freshmen, vets’ minutes

per the Daily:

Barring an incredible run that culminates in a Big Ten tournament championship, the Gophers’ season won’t conclude in the NCAA tournament.

Minnesota could go back to the National Invitational Tournament (NIT), compete in the third-tier College Basketball Invitational or worse.

Starting with a Thursday night matchup at Michigan State, three games remain for head coach Richard Pitino’s Gophers before the conference tournament.

With the season closing, Pitino is striking a balance between playing veterans to win now, and throwing his inexperienced freshmen into the fire so they’re more ready to contribute next year.

“As we’re moving forward, these young guys have got to get reps,” Pitino said. “We’re still playing to win. It’s not like winning has become secondary.”

http://www.mndaily.com/sports/mens-basketball/2015/02/25/pitino-juggling-freshmen-vets’-minutes

Go Gophers!!

STrib: Gophers redistribute minutes as end of season nears

Before the Wisconsin game, the coach had inserted freshman point guard Nate Mason in the starting lineup over Mathieu, a lineup change Pitino said Wednesday is likely to remain intact for Thursday’s game at Michigan State.

Two weeks ago, redshirt sophomore Charles Buggs took Morris’ spot at the wing. Meanwhile, the 6-11 Konate and the 6-9 Diedhiou should continue to get more important minutes — their stint together against Wisconsin came in the first half, coinciding with King’s foul trouble — even though both are still works in progress.

“I think the young guys are learning, and I think they’re picking up well,” senior center Mo Walker said. ”You’ve got to give them the court experience or they’ll never learn. … They’ll get better as time goes on.”

http://www.startribune.com/sports/gophers/294130971.html

Go Gophers!!