Just a little before noon here, I'll go ahead and jump in. I see I've got a few questions waiting, so thanks for that.
Right now, I think Minnesota has as good a chance as any program. Illikainen is still working on setting up an official at the university, which is certainly always a good sign. And all other signs point to the fact that he genuinely likes Pitino and his system, which he's essentially built for.
I think it's a little early for that.
Not sure that was ever a craze, but I imagine "Buggy-ing" has taken a little bit of a hit after the knee surgery.
Currently, there is no scholarship for him.
Sure -- DeAndre Mathieu, Andre Hollins, Squirrel Morris, Joey King, Mo Walker. To start the year at least. Several good competitions in there.
I don't think it's going to be any weaker than non-conference schedules usually are at Minnesota. The NIT season Tip-off has not officially released its bracket -- thus Minnesota hasn't released its schedule -- but I really think it will still happen. That tournament, which includes Georgia, Gonzaga and St. Johns, at least provides some good competition. The Gophers do not want that to fall apart.
Unfortunately, I couldn't make it. :-/
I don't think there's going to be a dramatic change from this season, but we could see modest improvement. My guess? 6th. Moving up to 5th would be notable, and would almost surely slide them on the right side of the bubble.
Probably more of scavenger squirrel. Morris can do a little of all of it -- he's a great handler and passer and should attack the rim very effectively now that he's put on some bulk. He's not quite the defensive player Austin Hollins was, but he won't leave fans disappointed on that end of the ball. One thing that still isn't quite his specialty: the jumpshot. He won't be the three-point shooter Hollins was.
OK, well there's no "feeling" right now because we're obviously not allowed in the locker room over the summer.
But I think in general, the players are very pleased with how the coaching change turned out. If that's your question.
I like Walker's improvement a lot. His trajectory has really been something to watch. But you, The Man, need a cold shower.
Maryland obviously has a storied past and has shown the ability to develop really good players. I don't expect the Terrapins to be down for very long.
Ask and you shall receive.
For 2015? 4. But it's common for programs to cast a wide net early on.
I can't because I haven't really seen him yet. The coaches believe he has a lot of raw ability and untapped talent. They're hoping they'll be able to seize that.
Apologies to Little Richard, but my feeling is the old man would take him down.
Johnson is getting ready to start his official visits, and his brother told me he probably won't make a decision until November. Minnesota is the first official, and considering he lives in the university's backyard, it's a clear sign of respect for the program, even as his recruitment has widened significantly.
No. In fact, I think the Barn is great. It could be renovated a little bit, but it's original and unique and can be very very loud. There is value there. The focus needs to be on a practice facility. That's was recruits really care about anyway.
A lot. He was too competitive (and smart) to say it, but anyone watching him regularly could see that he wasn't the same. I expect we'll see a big difference in the fall.
I think Wisconsin has to be the favorite after returning almost all of its Final Four team.
Well of course he is. And Walker is a much stronger offensive threat. It's a matter of who goes in teh starting lineup, but it doesn't really make that much of a difference. Both Walker and Eliason will both get plenty of minutes as Pitino tries to balance their complementing skills.
