STrib: Gophers men's basketball team features new look — again — as overhauls become norm

[BleedGopher]

per Marcus:


Richard Pitino is no stranger to fielding newcomer-laden basketball teams.

The Gophers had seven players make their debuts last season, the most for the program since 2004-05. That still didn't top the eight new faces Pitino introduced at Florida International in his first year as a college head coach in 2012.

Last season, Pitino added six Gophers newcomers, more than half of whom he might count on for major contributions this season.

"We need them all to be ready," said Pitino, who praised the talent of transfers Liam Robbins, Both Gach and Brandon Johnson on Thursday, entering the team's first official practice of the season.

Pitino sees this becoming the new normal throughout college basketball, with teams having to overhaul their rosters each year.

Richard Pitino overhauls Gophers again, says planned transfer rule would 'create chaos'

While he stressed the importance of three transfer students who are expected to play key roles this season, Gophers, coach Richard Pitino is wary of NCAA rules changes that would make switching schools more common.

www.startribune.com

Go Gophers!!

 

[60's Guy]

“on Thursday, entering the team's first official practice of the season.” October 15th
Opening night, I believe is Nov 25 vs Green Bay.
So 40 days and maybe 35 practices or least meetings to get ready.
Quite a contrast to in normal times a high school having 6, 7 or 9 practices typically, depending on your schedule to get ready for a game. Not to mention colleges have had small group workouts for months and group meetings. While high school coaches can’t even talk basketball with their players until opening day or watch open gyms or legally do squat.

 

[Zeppelin Gopher]

Quite a contrast to in normal times a high school having 6, 7 or 9 practices typically

We had 3 full weeks of practice before our first game in high school, and it fucking sucked.

 

[60's Guy]

We had 3 full weeks of practice before our first game in high school, and it fucking sucked.

Very, very rare and would require a veteran coach with an AD that gets it to make it happen in the last 20 years with 26 games.
Sorry it sucked, it should have set the foundation to a successful, fun season.