BleedGopher
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per Marcus:
Since the academic fraud scandal that shattered Gophers men’s basketball in 1999, three coaches have tried putting the pieces back together.
Arriving at different stages of the rebuilding process, Dan Monson, Tubby Smith and Richard Pitino have faced their own challenges, and the team’s on-court success just hasn’t been the same.
Monson lasted seven-plus seasons, Smith stayed for six, and now Pitino is deep into his seventh year, his future uncertain.
The Gophers (13-14) will play at Wisconsin on Sunday, facing long odds to return to the NCAA tournament after making it twice in the past three seasons. Their chances all but evaporated Wednesday vs. Maryland after a third straight second-half meltdown at home.
“The only thing you can do is you win games and that shuts people up,” Pitino said of those questioning his job security. “I certainly have control over hopefully impacting that.”
Monson, who resigned after seven games in 2006, led the Gophers to one NCAA tournament appearance. He is now in his 13th season as the head coach at Long Beach State.
“I didn’t realize the magnitude that the sanctions and the probation would be on the program,” he said. “There was a reason so many people turned that job down that were more established and veterans. I was a younger guy who wasn’t going to anguish on the sanctions … and try to move it forward.”
www.startribune.com
Go Gophers!!
Since the academic fraud scandal that shattered Gophers men’s basketball in 1999, three coaches have tried putting the pieces back together.
Arriving at different stages of the rebuilding process, Dan Monson, Tubby Smith and Richard Pitino have faced their own challenges, and the team’s on-court success just hasn’t been the same.
Monson lasted seven-plus seasons, Smith stayed for six, and now Pitino is deep into his seventh year, his future uncertain.
The Gophers (13-14) will play at Wisconsin on Sunday, facing long odds to return to the NCAA tournament after making it twice in the past three seasons. Their chances all but evaporated Wednesday vs. Maryland after a third straight second-half meltdown at home.
“The only thing you can do is you win games and that shuts people up,” Pitino said of those questioning his job security. “I certainly have control over hopefully impacting that.”
Monson, who resigned after seven games in 2006, led the Gophers to one NCAA tournament appearance. He is now in his 13th season as the head coach at Long Beach State.
“I didn’t realize the magnitude that the sanctions and the probation would be on the program,” he said. “There was a reason so many people turned that job down that were more established and veterans. I was a younger guy who wasn’t going to anguish on the sanctions … and try to move it forward.”
Old wounds haven't healed for Gophers men's basketball program
Three able coaches have tried but taken Gophers only so far in post-scandal era
www.startribune.com
Go Gophers!!
