Gopher Basketball 2020-2021

[Border Gopher]

Firing Tubby - ugh I still dislike that move.

Oh dear. The legendary Tubby couldn't even accomplish an over 500 record in the conference. Just like some football teams in the past he would beat up on non conference opponents, get everyone's hopes up, then disappoint when it counted. His last season was defined by that.

And we've seen what improvement exactly since then?

Are you really arguing we shouldn't have gotten rid of Tubby because Richard Pitino has been a failure?

[streakygopher]

I'm not invested in Gopher basketball, but it's pretty sad to think that the only team I remember that was a legit national threat had its record wiped out because of a cheating scandal.

[Slap Shot]

Firing Tubby - ugh I still dislike that move.

Oh dear. The legendary Tubby couldn't even accomplish an over 500 record in the conference. Just like some football teams in the past he would beat up on non conference opponents, get everyone's hopes up, then disappoint when it counted. His last season was defined by that.

3 NCAA appearances during his tenure including 2 wins his final year. Certainly better than most before and since. I'm not saying anoint him anything but the timing was off.

[Steve MN]

2 wins the last year? Thought he lost the 2nd round?

[Border Gopher]

Yes, after starting 15-1 and ranked up to #8 they managed a single victory in the NCAA tournament, which was a mild upset against UCLA (before being trampled by Florida). They finished the season losing 12 of their last 18 games.

[Slap Shot]

2 wins the last year? Thought he lost the 2nd round?

Sorry you're correct they lost to #3 Florida after upsetting UCLA. That said for me the timing seemed off.

[Bigbeer]

Tubby’s teams played consistently great defense but his offense was so bad it looked like they weren’t even running plays. Pass it around until the shot clock gets down to 3 seconds then heave up a brick.

[frozen4champs]

Possible replacement?

[Bertogliat]

Possible replacement?

I’d say so, yes.

Everyone is eligible at this moment

[Beauner]

Tubby’s teams played consistently great defense but his offense was so bad it looked like they weren’t even running plays. Pass it around until the shot clock gets down to 3 seconds then heave up a brick.

And his inbound plays were either nonexistent or drawn up by a toddler.

[Beauner]

Possible replacement?

I’d say so, yes.

Everyone is eligible at this moment

Only issue I have witb Dutcher is he's already 61. He's probably an upgrade but how long does he coach?

[Laxref]

I’d go after Musselman at Arkansas.

[Bonin21]

I think he's the #1 option but the problem is getting him

[Laxref]

I think he's the #1 option but the problem is getting him

I agree, he could probably get a lot of jobs better then the one here, I’m holding up hope he has some sentiment for the U.

[Chris83]

Possible replacement?

I’d say so, yes.

Everyone is eligible at this moment

Only issue I have witb Dutcher is he's already 61. He's probably an upgrade but how long does he coach?

If he's healthy and enthusiastic, I don't see age 61 as a problem. Were things to ever reach an actual consideration standpoint for the Gophers' job, I'm sure that aspect would be thoroughly vetted. Regardless of age, if a Pitino replacement could make the "U" even a minor "destination school" within 4-5 years (what Fleck seems to be doing with the football program), you've then set the groundwork for a smooth transition from someone such as Dutcher. Plus, he's exactly 7 days younger than me, so age is no issue at all.

Seriously, if the program moves on from Pitino and can hire either Dutcher or Eric Musselman, that's a win-win.

[Bladepuller]

The Gopher / Huskers game is just brutal to watch.
Brutal.

[Slap Shot]

I think he's the #1 option but the problem is getting him

I agree, he could probably get a lot of jobs better then the one here, I’m holding up hope he has some sentiment for the U.

Which ones are those? The B1G gets as many teams into the dance as any other conference and the TC has an incredible talent pool of recruits. Add to that a wonderful arena, great facilities and a fanbase that will rock when there's a winner in front of them.

[Snowcool08]

The Gopher / Huskers game is just brutal to watch.
Brutal.

I forgot it was on. Turned it on and immediately saw a guy air mail a free throw.

[JWG]

This program should just fold if tonight’s situation holds.

[Chris83]

The pandemic, injuries, I get all of it. But it does seem to be time to move on. Once again the "Glen Mason Rule" is in effect: if firing is related to team performance, then you better get a significant upgrade in the new hire. I'm sure Coyle is formulating the plan for the '21-'22 season and if that does NOT include Pitino, then improvement is imperative. This program can't afford to miss on the next coach.

[JWG]

The pandemic, injuries, I get all of it. But it does seem to be time to move on. Once again the "Glen Mason Rule" is in effect: if firing is related to team performance, then you better get a significant upgrade in the new hire. I'm sure Coyle is formulating the plan for the '21-'22 season and if that does NOT include Pitino, then improvement is imperative. This program can't afford to miss on the next coach.

This is every year for the Gophers. Oh it’s the injuries, oh it’s the academic issues, oh it’s the off court issues... but when they have a complete roster... How many years do we give the team those excuses?

There’s no way this team should lose to a 1 conference win team. I

[Bladepuller]

It is between periods of Wild / Kings
Marcus Carr has 30+ and has got the Gophers back in the game.

[JWG]

Gophers lose to the worst team in the conference, their 5th in a row, and are clearly outside looking in for the tourney. Pitino must go.

[gopherguy06]

Deleted

[Bladepuller]

I have to believe that Coyle has seen enough & already has a short list of his preferred candidates.
No. Ryan Saunders should not be on it.

If Coyle hasn't then he is as incompetent as young Richard.

[gopherguy06]

[Beauner]

I'm guessing Richard will be advised to update his resume when he gets home.

[gopherguy06]

Yeah I am hoping Saunders isn’t on that list right now but hopefully Coyle has something lined up

[Laxref]

I think he's the #1 option but the problem is getting him

I agree, he could probably get a lot of jobs better then the one here, I’m holding up hope he has some sentiment for the U.

Which ones are those? The B1G gets as many teams into the dance as any other conference and the TC has an incredible talent pool of recruits. Add to that a wonderful arena, great facilities and a fanbase that will rock when there's a winner in front of them.

You can’t be serious, this is like the eleventh best job in the conference. We have won what, like 3 big ten titles in 100 years? The arena (while I grew up going to games in the barn and I love it) is completely outdated and not aging well. I agree, Twin Cities is churning out basketball players as much as any metro area in the country, but not a damn one of em is gonna play here over a blue blood school. We have finished above .500 in conference twice in like 20 years, it’s one of the worst power 5 jobs in the country.

One thing I believe that could change it all is when the Timberwolves move in like 4 years and gophers are the only show in town. We saw what that did for our beloved hockey program when there was no local nhl team for most of the 90s.

[Beauner]

Yeah I am hoping Saunders isn’t on that list right now but hopefully Coyle has something lined up

I doubt Saunders would get serious consideration but I think he could actually be a quality college coach in MN. His family is obviously deeply respected in the community and I could see him doing well with in-state recruiting.
That said, I doubt he's going to be considered.

[Slap Shot]

I think he's the #1 option but the problem is getting him

I agree, he could probably get a lot of jobs better then the one here, I’m holding up hope he has some sentiment for the U.

Which ones are those? The B1G gets as many teams into the dance as any other conference and the TC has an incredible talent pool of recruits. Add to that a wonderful arena, great facilities and a fanbase that will rock when there's a winner in front of them.

You can’t be serious, this is like the eleventh best job in the conference. We have won what, like 3 big ten titles in 100 years? The arena (while I grew up going to games in the barn and I love it) is completely outdated and not aging well.

The results from poor coaching don't prove the job itself is not enticing, and the arena for atmosphere is fantastic. Not saying it doesn't need upgrades however.

[JWG]

[Beauner]

Wait, he will coach the rest of the season or he won't return to Dinkytown?

[JWG]

I think that should read that he will finish the season but will not return to Dinkytown next season.

[D2D]

I think that should read that he will finish the season but will not return to Dinkytown next season.

I don't follow, or even like basketball very much, but I am curious about how much Pitino's 'early retirement' will cost the Gophers' athletic budget?

[JWG]

I think that should read that he will finish the season but will not return to Dinkytown next season.

I don't follow, or even like basketball very much, but I am curious about how much Pitino's 'early retirement' will cost the Gophers' athletic budget?

$1M - $1.75M I “think” depending on timing. Though I imagine that will be donor covered especially given the past week.

[Maize]

$1M - $1.75M I “think” depending on timing. Though I imagine that will be donor covered especially given the past week.

It goes down from 1.75 to 1 on April 30, but if they keep him past April 30, they'd have to pay a $400K retention bonus.

[Bertogliat]

$1M - $1.75M I “think” depending on timing. Though I imagine that will be donor covered especially given the past week.

It goes down from 1.75 to 1 on April 30, but if they keep him past April 30, they'd have to pay a $400K retention bonus.

So April 30th it is.

[Zwak]

(Not much of an) Update on Pitino. He and Coyle say they will talk after the season.

https://www.startribune.com/gophers-mar ... 600029342/

[Bonin21]

That guy swindled the U out of millions. Don't hire a coach because of his last name. Cough T wolves cough Gophers

[Bertogliat]

(Not much of an) Update on Pitino. He and Coyle say they will talk after the season.

https://www.startribune.com/gophers-mar ... 600029342/

I can’t open the article. Meeting set for April 30 at 9 am?

[Beauner]

(Not much of an) Update on Pitino. He and Coyle say they will talk after the season.

https://www.startribune.com/gophers-mar ... 600029342/

I can’t open the article. Meeting set for April 30 at 9 am?

If they are firing him they're doing it before March Madness starts.

[Laxref]

What’s the point in waiting till the season ends Saturday? Does he get paid more if he gets fired during the season?

[Greyeagle]

This is when I miss Sid. There would be righteous indignation during the of the talk of a firing and even more so if/when Coyle indeed pulls the trigger on Pitino. Then the speculation starts on a new coach all with overt or obscure connections to The U or Sid’s close personal friends. Then, once new coach is hired, the columns with connections, butt kissing, and Sid’s insight into who should fill out new coaches staff start.

Good times I will miss.

[Beauner]

What’s the point in waiting till the season ends Saturday? Does he get paid more if he gets fired during the season?

IIRC there's a buyout price drop after April 30. It would save like 750k. But no team would wait that long to fire a coach.

[Chris83]

This is when I miss Sid. There would be righteous indignation during the of the talk of a firing and even more so if/when Coyle indeed pulls the trigger on Pitino. Then the speculation starts on a new coach all with overt or obscure connections to The U or Sid’s close personal friends. Then, once new coach is hired, the columns with connections, butt kissing, and Sid’s insight into who should fill out new coaches staff start.

Good times I will miss.

Back in the "Monday Night Sports Talk" days on KSTP AM, I believe Reusse and Soucheray would quote Sid with "A Reading from the Chair". The Shooter was "A Reading from the Lawn Chair". Yeah, definitely good stuff.

[Vegoe]

What’s the point in waiting till the season ends Saturday? Does he get paid more if he gets fired during the season?

IIRC there's a buyout price drop after April 30. It would save like 750k. But no team would wait that long to fire a coach.

The buyout only drops from $1.75M to $1.5M.
There is also a retention bonus of $400k that is paid on April 30, 2021.
The University must provide written notice 30 days before actually terminating the agreement.

[Zwak]

What’s the point in waiting till the season ends Saturday? Does he get paid more if he gets fired during the season?

IIRC there's a buyout price drop after April 30. It would save like 750k. But no team would wait that long to fire a coach.

The buyout only drops from $1.75M to $1.5M.
There is also a retention bonus of $400k that is paid on April 30, 2021.
The University must provide written notice 30 days before actually terminating the agreement.

Is that written notice public information?

[Vegoe]

What’s the point in waiting till the season ends Saturday? Does he get paid more if he gets fired during the season?

IIRC there's a buyout price drop after April 30. It would save like 750k. But no team would wait that long to fire a coach.

The buyout only drops from $1.75M to $1.5M.
There is also a retention bonus of $400k that is paid on April 30, 2021.
The University must provide written notice 30 days before actually terminating the agreement.

Is that written notice public information?

Ha... I mean it could be, but I'd think you'd have a hard time getting your hands on it before it's made public. Although since they know it's setup that way, it'll probably be announced around March 31 what's happening.

[Beauner]

Gophers down 13 with a minute left in first half at Penn State.

[Beauner]

Penn State has made 9 consecutive shots.

[Beauner]

Marcus tries a behind the back dribble to avoid a double team. Penn State guy is standing right there to catch the ball on the bounce. Drills a 3 as the buzzer goes off.

Down 18 at half.

Absolutely ridiculous.

[Goldy77]

When you’re hot, you’re hot.

[JWG]

Pitino should not be on the plane home. This team gets worse by the minute. The only consistent thing is the late season collapse. Every... single... year...

0 road wins and what will end up being a losing record overall. In year 8. After beating some really good teams. I can’t imagine too many teams will be able to claim such a disparity of facts.

The only thing worse is the T’Wolves.

[Beauner]

Obviously losing Gabe and Liam hurt a lot. That was a reasonable explanation for a couple early stumbles after they got hurt. But at this point? 0 explanation for this disaster.

[Bertogliat]

How many ranked teams did they beat before letting every turd soaked team Tea Bag them in consecutive matches?

[Border Gopher]

I always like reading the "first time in X amount of years" stats that the press always share. Of course it makes sense when it's something like the first time the Twins have won a playoff game in 17 years. But tonight it was the first time the Gophers basketball team has gone winless on the road in the Big Ten since *gasp* the 2015-16 season. It's been six entire years - holy cow!

[Bonin21]

How many big conference teams have got winless in road conference games twice since 15-16? We might be in elite company.

[Snowcool08]

I always like reading the "first time in X amount of years" stats that the press always share. Of course it makes sense when it's something like the first time the Twins have won a playoff game in 17 years. But tonight it was the first time the Gophers basketball team has gone winless on the road in the Big Ten since *gasp* the 2015-16 season. It's been six entire years - holy cow!

If you’re going to be bad, might as well be historically bad.

[ex_goldy]

Fire Pitino -clap. Clap. Clap clap clap.

Brian Dutcher wants to coach here? Sign him up!
He’s one of us!

Not sure why he’d want to leave beautiful and Sunny San Diego. But hey, bring him on!

[JWG]

I always like reading the "first time in X amount of years" stats that the press always share. Of course it makes sense when it's something like the first time the Twins have won a playoff game in 17 years. But tonight it was the first time the Gophers basketball team has gone winless on the road in the Big Ten since *gasp* the 2015-16 season. It's been six entire years - holy cow!

Both of these seasons are under Pitino, crazy.

[Goldy77]

They’ll go on a run and win the B1G tournament

[Beauner]

That would be hilarious.

[D2D]

That would be hilarious.

No, that would be impossible.

[streakygopher]

Fire Pitino -clap. Clap. Clap clap clap.

Brian Dutcher wants to coach here? Sign him up!
He’s one of us!

Not sure why he’d want to leave beautiful and Sunny San Diego. But hey, bring him on!

His wife was born and raised here and Dutcher I believe attended the U in the late 70s, early 80s.

I actually went to high school with his wife but have lost touch. I have a good friend whose parents were besties with her parents.

It certainly wouldn't be unheard of for her to want to come back to Minnesota, but I would speculate that if their kids stayed around California that would be more reason for them to stay than to leave.

[Sioux/Bucky Hater]

I don't think Little Ricky is going anywhere. I believe he should get the gate, but won't. It's just bad timing. With all of the revenue the U has lost due to the Rona and shutting down other sports, it just doesn't make fiscal sense. They would have to pay him his buyout and pay a new coach. I think he gets one more year due to the circumstances.

[Bertogliat]

I don't think Little Ricky is going anywhere. I believe he should get the gate, but won't. It's just bad timing. With all of the revenue the U has lost due to the Rona and shutting down other sports, it just doesn't make fiscal sense. They would have to pay him his buyout and pay a new coach. I think he gets one more year due to the circumstances.

I am sure they’re spending this time to find a booster to pay for the buyout. Unless that has already been taken care of.

[Border Gopher]

I don't think Little Ricky is going anywhere. I believe he should get the gate, but won't. It's just bad timing. With all of the revenue the U has lost due to the Rona and shutting down other sports, it just doesn't make fiscal sense. They would have to pay him his buyout and pay a new coach. I think he gets one more year due to the circumstances.

Thankfully you're wrong.

[Bladepuller]

I don't think Little Ricky is going anywhere. I believe he should get the gate, but won't. It's just bad timing. With all of the revenue the U has lost due to the Rona and shutting down other sports, it just doesn't make fiscal sense. They would have to pay him his buyout and pay a new coach. I think he gets one more year due to the circumstances.

I tend to agree with you. I'm not happy about it but it is what it is.
I don't think any of the "Big Cigar" boosters really care about MBB enough to contribute to a buyout under todays situation.

[Laxref]

I don't think Little Ricky is going anywhere. I believe he should get the gate, but won't. It's just bad timing. With all of the revenue the U has lost due to the Rona and shutting down other sports, it just doesn't make fiscal sense. They would have to pay him his buyout and pay a new coach. I think he gets one more year due to the circumstances.

I tend to agree with you. I'm not happy about it but it is what it is.
I don't think any of the "Big Cigar" boosters really care about MBB enough to contribute to a buyout under todays situation.

What do the “Big Cigars” care about then?

[Bladepuller]

FB & FB & FB & there are some prominent hockey alums in the TC business community. The most prominent did color on last nights game.

[Slap Shot]

Lil Ricky is gone I have zero doubts.

[Laxref]

FB & FB & FB & there are some prominent hockey alums in the TC business community. The most prominent did color on last nights game.

The football program has been 80% garbage for the better part of 60 years, the “Big Cigars” are doing one hell of a job.

[Bladepuller]

FB & FB & FB & there are some prominent hockey alums in the TC business community. The most prominent did color on last nights game.

The football program has been 80% garbage for the better part of 60 years, the “Big Cigars” are doing one hell of a job.

Not saying anything different. FB has had those 20% moments. How an old tOSU D-lineman like Mason could have such pathetic Ds escapes me. Give him a Tracy Claeys D & ???. Brewster was a joke. Jerry Kill & TC were "okay" but there were discipline problems both on (bad over aggressive hits) & off the field. PJ has a different approach. I know his players, for the most part, love him & his culture of Rowtheboatskiumahgogophers.

MBB? Clem wasn't the answer, but at least his teams played some D. Didn't waste any time in the classroom though. It has been a slow moving revolving door for the HC.

Who do you want to replace Pitino? If I was to I'd go the route of Craig Smith, just because it is a break from the past and small town gym rats have done okay as BB coaches from NAIA to NBA. Smith would likely be available in a year with less of a buyout.

[Laxref]

FB & FB & FB & there are some prominent hockey alums in the TC business community. The most prominent did color on last nights game.

The football program has been 80% garbage for the better part of 60 years, the “Big Cigars” are doing one hell of a job.

Not saying anything different. FB has had those 20% moments. How an old tOSU D-lineman like Mason could have such pathetic Ds escapes me. Give him a Tracy Claeys D & ???. Brewster was a joke. Jerry Kill & TC were "okay" but there were discipline problems both on (bad over aggressive hits) & off the field. PJ has a different approach. I know his players, for the most part, love him & his culture of Rowtheboatskiumahgogophers.

MBB? Clem wasn't the answer, but at least his teams played some D. Didn't waste any time in the classroom though. It has been a slow moving revolving door for the HC.

Who do you want to replace Pitino? If I was to I'd go the route of Craig Smith, just because it is a break from the past and small town gym rats have done okay as BB coaches from NAIA to NBA. Smith would likely be available in a year with less of a buyout.

I think Musselman should be choice 1,2, and 3. I think there is zero chance we pony up enough dough to get him to even think about it. I guess Dutcher maybe, Smith is a candidate for sure, wild card for me would be ex-Michigan coach Beilien.