BleedGopher
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Per Marcus:
Newcomers have defined third-year coach Ben Johnson's tenure so far with Gophers men's basketball. They've carried a big load.
After losing 10 players to the transfer portal once he was hired to replace Richard Pitino in 2021, Johnson had the largest group of newcomers in the Big Ten. And entering last season, the Gophers were near the top again with a high number of new faces.
The quantity of incoming players has finally shrunk a bit for the U — but not the quality.
For the first time, Johnson has a core of players back who have played meaningful roles. Four returners are led by All-Big Ten preseason forward Dawson Garcia, last year's scoring and rebounding leader.
But these five newcomers add much-needed depth in the backcourt and in the middle for the Gophers entering the new season. They'll face Division III Macalester in an exhibition game Thursday ahead of Monday's season opener against Bethune-Cookman at the Barn.
www.startribune.com
Go Gophers!!
Newcomers have defined third-year coach Ben Johnson's tenure so far with Gophers men's basketball. They've carried a big load.
After losing 10 players to the transfer portal once he was hired to replace Richard Pitino in 2021, Johnson had the largest group of newcomers in the Big Ten. And entering last season, the Gophers were near the top again with a high number of new faces.
The quantity of incoming players has finally shrunk a bit for the U — but not the quality.
For the first time, Johnson has a core of players back who have played meaningful roles. Four returners are led by All-Big Ten preseason forward Dawson Garcia, last year's scoring and rebounding leader.
But these five newcomers add much-needed depth in the backcourt and in the middle for the Gophers entering the new season. They'll face Division III Macalester in an exhibition game Thursday ahead of Monday's season opener against Bethune-Cookman at the Barn.
Five Gophers men's basketball newcomers arrive, with some headed for key roles
Gophers men's basketball coach Ben Johnson brought in fewer newcomers than any other season during his tenure, but he still hopes they fill immediate holes.
www.startribune.com
Go Gophers!!