I don't think you can consider the gophers worse off, at least they will have some freshmen that can be coached and molded into what Tubby Smith wants out of them. I mean all of these players that Tubby inherited were already set in their ways. If Tubby had 4 years with Tollackson and Coleman, I guarantee you they would have been better players. Tubby Smith said before the season that he thought that Coleman could be one of the best players in the country, wow, then what a bust he turned out to be for Tubby. I think you miss their Senior leadership in practice, and maybe Tollacksons overall hustle. Other than that, you don't look back and start developing the young talent that will hopefully bring us dancing soon.
I have been saying it all season though, for the gophers to get back to the tourny, and to get another big ten champ, they have to mold someone they can rely on down the stretch. They can't rely on Hoffarber to keep making miracle shots at the buzzer (though his resume of them is sick). Overall a sensational season for the gophers, for what they had to work with, they exceeded all of my expectations. Tubby Smith is the real deal, and we are very lucky to have him. Good job U OF M, especially Joel Maturi (Chisholm Alum, my hometown), for breaking the mold of every MN team in this state, and going out and spending some money to get someone special.
Go Gophers
|
