While preseason rankings mean absolutely nothing, it's exciting to see the Gophers as already relevant nationally before they've even played a game. Still have to go out and get the job done on the court. Remember that last year we were picked 13th in the Big Ten and finished 4th.
Interesting to note that between the AP and Coaches Polls, only 2 non-conference opponents on the schedule are ranked. Miami for the ACC/Big Ten game is a consensus top-15 team, so that should be a good match-up. The Coaches Poll has Alabama 25th.
That said, Providence will be tough on the road, as will Arkansas. I would also expect Drake and Harvard to give the Gophers everything they can handle. You've got a bit of a gauntlet in the schedule early with Alabama, Miami, Rutgers, at Nebraska, at Arkansas and Drake. They're all winnable games, but have an off night shooting, foul trouble or just be off mentally and you could lose any of them.
We'll know a lot about this team by then, assuming everyone stays healthy.
