We continue our recruit and return series with the Minnesota Golden Gophers, whose season ended Thursday with a loss to Middle Tennessee in the South Region. Here is a look at what the 2017-18 season could hold:
Possible 2017-18 starting five:
G: Nate Mason
G: Dupree McBrayer
F: Amir Coffey
F: Jordan Murphy
C: Reggie Lynch
Who is lost: Coach Richard Pitino is losing only one player from the rotation, former Milwaukee graduate transfer Akeem Springs. Springs brought some veteran experience and 3-point shooting, nearly averaging double-figures. He had one stretch in Big Ten play in which he scored at least 14 points in five straight games.
Who is added: The Golden Gophers went to the New York area for their two freshmen for next season. ESPN 100 point guard Isaiah Washington is the classic New York City point guard: flashy, aggressive, can get into the lane against nearly any defender. Although he won’t beat Mason for the starting job, he’ll get minutes early. He’s joined by New Jersey shooting guard Jamir Harris, one of the best shooters on the East Coast in the 2017 class. Texas A&M transfer Davonte Fitzgerald is also eligible next season -- after sitting out 2015-16 because of transfer and 2016-17 after tearing his ACL in October.
What it means for next season: Minnesota brings back all five starters from what was one of the most surprising turnarounds in the country. Mason took a step forward as a playmaker, leading the team in scoring and assists while shooting better than 39 percent from 3-point range. Backcourt mate McBrayer can shoot it from the perimeter and came up big late in the season. Coffey was one of the most highly touted freshmen in school history, and he didn’t disappoint, scoring 30 points in his fifth career game and never looking back. He could become the go-to guy next season. Texas native Jordan Murphy was a double-double threat every night and had one stretch late in Big Ten play in which he averaged 17.6 points and 13.6 rebounds over seven games. Former Illinois State transfer Lynch was a dominant force on the defensive end, blocking 3.5 shots per game. He also cleaned up around the rim offensively. The 6-foot-9 forward Eric Curry is a solid frontcourt weapon off the bench.
Trending: Up. A year ago at this time, Pitino was on the hot seat. Now he’s coming off a 23-win regular season and will have his entire starting lineup back -- while bringing in an impact freshman in Washington. Minnesota will be one of the Big Ten favorites next season.
