This is Amelia Rayno's second season on the Gophers' basketball beat. She learned college basketball in North Carolina (Go Tar Heels!), where fanhood is not an option. In 2010, she joined the Star Tribune after graduating from Boston's Emerson College, which sadly had no exciting D-I college hoops to latch onto. Amelia has also worked on the sports desk at the Boston Globe and interned at the Detroit News.
Follow Rayno on Twitter @AmeliaRayno
Posts about Gophers coaches
Is next year a rebuilding year for the Gophers?
Posted by: Amelia Rayno Updated: May 21, 2013 - 11:10 AM
There’s been quite a bit of buzz in Minneapolis this spring.
First Tubby Smith was fired, a move that was criticized by some, but largely supported across a fan base that had very loudly become dissatisfied with the former coach’s six years of mediocrity in the Big Ten (and had stuffed my inbox with thoughts of that nature). Then, after an anxiety-inducing coaching search, along came Richard Pitino, who has made himself quickly popular with the masses with his smooth talk and promises of bringing an exciting style to the often slow-paced Gophers. Three recruits have already signed. By all accounts, it’s been more of an exciting spring than usual for Gophers basketball, which is usually pret-tay slow this time of year.
So it’s not surprising, then, that it seems as though optimism abounds. With a new coach, a new system and a handful of new players (and untapped players from a year ago), why couldn’t Minnesota make a big leap right away?
Well, just hold onto your “Big Ten champion” screen prints and blank T-shirts. Despite all the positive developments, there are other major hints that next year might not be all glory and Ws. Though the Big Ten as a whole is losing a lot of stars, for the most part, the top still looks incredibly strong, as I wrote recently. Other teams -- such as Illinois, which has the 17th ranked freshman class in the nation and Purdue, whose freshman class lands at No. 23, nationwide – will improve around the Gophers. Meanwhile, Minnesota itself is dealing with a very thin frontcourt and a sudden scoring deficit after the losses of Trevor Mbakwe and Rodney Williams.
I don’t want to be the Negative Nancy here (I also heard Rayno-on-my-parade and Rayno Ruiner last season, if you’d like to give either of those a spin), but it’s important not to forget that though the Gophers might have a better foundation to build on for the future, the now could still be a little shaky. Pitino can be a good coach and still have a losing record in the Big Ten next year.
So is it a rebuilding year? That seems to be the popular thought. The Gophers are not on the cusp of any of the super early Top 25 rankings coming out, and ESPN’s Joe Lunardi didn’t even put them in with the seven Big Ten teams that made his ridiculously early preseason NCAA tournament bracket. Big Ten Network’s Brent Yarina actually put the Gophers DEAD LAST in his power rankings for next year, if you can believe it (Yes, even Rayno Ruiner thinks that’s a little harsh). Both national experts I recently spoke with – CBS Sports’ Jeff Borzello and NBC Sports’ Rob Dauster – concur that the Gophers will land safely in the bottom half of the league.
Alls I’m saying is that too high of expectations lead to a much more dramatic “thump” than do realistic ones.
Could the Gophers surprise? Certainly. They still have a solid backcourt, rooted by the promising Andre Hollins and Austin Hollins. And who knows what Pitino will be able to get out of other current players with a new approach. Minnesota still has the chance to sign a big man or two, and improve the depth of the forward corps.
I do think that the firing/search/hiring/signings put the Gophers in a better position for eventual growth. But things – in the Big Ten, certainly – don’t happen overnight. If the Gophers do turn some heads, one should sufficiently understand (and appreciate) that reality for the surprise that it would be.
aMAILia BAG: What will next year's Gophers lineup look like? How can Mathieu help? Where are all the post players?
Posted by: Amelia Rayno Updated: May 9, 2013 - 12:43 PM
And we’re back! I know all of you were just dying without your weekly aMAILiaBAG for a month there. How did you even survive without it, you might wonder. Personally, I survived by getting out of dodge for a little while – which I will be doing in doses this summer – and doing all the things I wasn’t able to do during the season, like plow through the last year of movies (there were some good ones!) and of course get outside and pick up the abandoned search for Bigfoot (I see nothing has been accomplished during my hiatus).
The summer naturally brings a slower time of year for hoops news, so if you haven’t noticed already, I won’t be posting nearly as frequently. I promise I will publish anything newsy in this space, but if you’re not seeing a lot of activity in a particular week, well, you can put the dots together.
However, I would like to improve my off-season presence in any way I can. I’ll stick with occasional mailbags as long as I’m getting questions. And on that note, I’d love to hear any feedback you have from this past year on the blog. What did you like? What didn’t you like? What would you like to see more of? Less of? What’s your opinion of Bigfoot? (Trick question. I will only listen if I agree.) As a reminder, you can email me at amelia.rayno@startribune.com. Thanks for reading!
Now onto the questions:
(Your questions in bold; my responses in regular type)
Seems like Gophs offering lots of guys. Will [Richard Pitino] have scholarships if any of big three want to come? Is he conceding they won't?
@cnagl
New coach Richard Pitino and his staff have offered a lot of players – as most coaches do, because the liklihood that all of them are going to choose Minnesota is extremely rare.
What’s more, they have a lot of availabilities right now. With Alvin Ellis and Alex Foster each de-committing (whether by choice or by firm suggestion), the Gophers had four scholarships available for next season. They have now gotten commitments from two guards now (Daquein McNeil and now Dre Mathieu), which means they still have two spots available. Former coach Tubby Smith and staff planned to save at least one of those for the loaded 2014 class, and Pitino might do so as well, but keep in mind that two of the players the Gophers are hard after – Tarik Black and Rakeem Buckles – each only have a single year of eligibility left, meaning that their scholarships would open again after the season. I think it’s unlikely that Minnesota will get both of those players, but even if they got one and, say, another guard, they’d still have an extra opening for 2014 (plus those of Austin Hollins and Maverick Ahanmisi, who will graduate).
If you had to guess ... Who do you see in Pitino’s starting five? Can we expect to see a big role for Charles Buggs this year?
Thanks Amelia
Kent
As of right now, I think there are going to be a lot of preseason competitions going on for spots, which will certainly keep things lively. At this time last year, we pretty much already had the starting five pegged.
There are a couple of ways the Gophers could go, and that decision could be largely impacted by whether Minnesota is able to sign a big man.
(Note: The signing period officially ends on May 15, but graduate players can sign anytime.)
If the Gophers can get Buckles (possible) or Black (less likely), they could throw out a lineup that looks like this:
Andre Hollins
Joe Coleman/ Daquein McNeil/ Wally Ellenson
Austin Hollins
Buckles/ Black
Elliott Eliason
With the players the Gophers currently have, we could see:
Andre Hollins
Joe Coleman/ Daquein McNeil/ Wally Ellenson
Austin Hollins
Charles Buggs
Elliott Eliason
Or even a lineup with four perimeter players, like this:
Andre Hollins
Daquein McNeil
Austin Hollins
Joe Coleman
Elliott Eliason
Really, I think that the only real locks for spots are Andre Hollins and Austin Hollins. I think that despite the fact that the Gophers have signed two point guards in McNeil and Mathieu, Andre Hollins will still start at point, at least for now. There’s a chance one of those guys could earn the spot enough in the preseason, allowing the Gophers to take Hollins off the ball (where he’s best, IMHO), but for now, I think the rising junior still offers the best option at that position.
Eliason is most likely playing at center simply because the Gophers don’t have many options there. Mo Walker is in the picture as well, but he needs to do some serious conditioning before we talk about a major role for him. If he gets a starting spot, I don’t think it will be at the beginning of the season. Joe Coleman could be a guard that gets the nod, or just as easily become the sixth man – where I think he would thrive. From that standpoint, the other one or two guard spots are totally up for competition. Should be interesting.
Thanks for asst. Info. How do they compare against other Big Ten in both ages and experience?
@rademp1
I wish there was some great database of ages of assistant coaches, but there isn’t, and ages aren’t always reported. I can tell you that if you include Pitino in the conversation, it’s realistically one of the younger staffs in the nation, and relatively raw as well.
Do you think local media attention can be at all helpful in recruiting local kids?
@tafknat
I don’t think it hurts for these kids to see their names in the paper. I don’t think it hurts for them to be reminded that they’re wanted. These local kids for 2014, however, certainly have no shortage of that – not just from Minnesota media, but national media, and different outlets around the country. It’s just part of it.
Hi Amelia: Why do you think Izzo wanted Alvin and Pitino didn’t? Did Richard have too many guys who play Alvin’s position?
John
Well, that argument would be severely stunted by the fact that Pitino is recruiting a lot of guard types. I don’t know for sure that Pitino DIDN’T reach back out to Ellis (remember – Ellis decommitted before Pitino was announced), but while obviously many schools were interested in the wing, it doesn’t mean he was the best player for every program, or every style.
Hi Amelia,
Great job of covering Gopher basketball. With Cameron Forte going to University of Georgia and Rakeem Buckles and Tarik Black taking time to make a final decision, would the Gophers ever consider Jake White from Wichita State? We’re a little “short” on big men, especially at power forward, for next year.
Jim
There’s a possibility that the Gophers would at least talk to White. The Chaska native played just 10.9 minutes a game a season ago, but averaged 3.6 points and 2.9 rebounds with his opportunity. The Gophers definitely could use some brawn for next year, but I haven’t heard about any specific contact with him yet.
Is [Mathieu] a big 'get' for the gophers? Better than what we have?
@doublea0606
Better than what the Gophers have? That’s hard to say. Mathieu isn’t a 5-star recruit (he’s a 3-star), but he also could be helpful to Minnesota. I don’t think Pitino would sign guys just to fill spots – he’s made that plenty clear. Without a true point guard already on the roster, Mathieu could play an important role in backing up Andre Hollins or allowing him to play off the ball more.
#aMAILiaBAG with a new coach, do we expect players to be released from scholarship? I personally don't see Mo a Pitino type player.
Mo Walker will definitely have to get in shape. A source mentioned to the Star Tribune that it seems like, in the early goings, Walker has really bought into Pitino’s new brand and work ethic, which is supposedly pretty darn vigorous. If he works for it, and conditions ruthlessly, he could fit in. If he can’t (he’ll be required), his options would likely be to sit or leave.
The recent signing gives a good indication of the recruiting of the new staff. I question offering to all of these guards, especially if Freeman signs. Don't we want to hold on to as many scholarships as possible for the upcoming "big 3" class? How many guards do we have on team and will that hider the chances of signing a top player next year? Where are all of the big men?
Thoughts
Matt
Where are all the big men? Signed already! Why do you think the entire country is after Tarik Black? It was a bit of a thin year to start with and now, well, we’re in May. It’s going to be a challenge to find the right players to fill those holes. I know Pitino doesn’t want to sign any old big body just because they need one – and right now, the guard search is proving more plentiful.
I don’t think that the Big Three for 2014 would be scared off by a plethora of guards on the Minnesota roster – they know that if they signed with the Gophers, they’d start over anyone.
Should we be getting worried about our big man situation? Seems like Pitino is doing wonderful getting back-court help, but still nothing for the front-court.
Thoughts? Any possibilities?
Greg
It is a little troublesome, I do admit, when you look at what’s still available after the departures of Trevor Mbakwe, Rodney Williams and Andre Ingram. There’s Buggs (no collegiate experience), Walker (a liability to the pace), Eliason (fiery and a tough worker, but limited down low) and that’s about it except for Oto Osenieks, if you want to consider him a “big man.”
The fact is, whether fans want to look at it this way – next year will be a bit of a rebuilding year. Do you put someone on scholarship to fill a hole if he's not the right guy? Probably not. Even if it’s painful to have so few options.
Any news on rakeem buckles?
@okondj08
No – everything on that front is staying pretty hush-hush, and it’s tough to get information since Buckles is technically still at FIU. If the Gophers got him, they’d want him to play immediately, which would require a waiver. There’s a chance those details are being sorted out now. Remember – Buckles wouldn’t be constrained by the signing deadline because he will be a graduate. I wouldn’t be surprised if this does happen.
BONUS BIGFOOT QUESTION
Your thoughts on how accurately Harry and the Hendersons reflects what we know about Sasquatch. #aMAILiaBAG
@RandBallsStu
Yep – it’s pretty much just like that.
Second Minnesota recruit appears set to join Gophers
Posted by: Amelia Rayno Updated: May 7, 2013 - 12:43 PMIt looks like an official announcement welcoming JUCO Dre Mathieu to the Minnesota hoops family is just around the corner.
He would be new Gophers coach Richard Pitino's second recruit for the 2013-14 season. Daquein McNeil signed with MInnesota two weeks ago.
The 5-11 Mathieu, who visited the Minneapolis campus last weekend, said on Monday via text message that he would be making his decision on Tuesday -- choosing between Minnesota, Ole Miss and Pepperdine, his last three schools after eliminating Memphis. A teammate at Central Arizona, Calvin Bonner, tweeted late Tuesday morning that Mathieu had chosen the Gophers.
#shoutout to my brother @driiiiizzzzzyyy he took over here at Cac now he's going to take over in Minnesota congrats on your commitment bro!!
— Calvin Bonner (@Cal_Bonner) May 7, 2013
The committment would give Minnesota a true point guard and a plethora of options at that position between Andre Hollins, McNeil and Maverick Ahanmisi.
The Gophers still have two remaining scholarships available for next year.
A glance at Gophers coach Richard Pitino's assistants' salaries
Posted by: Amelia Rayno Updated: April 30, 2013 - 5:20 PMHere are a few details on new Gophers' coach Richard Pitino's assistants, which we received from the University of Minnesota.
As expected, Dan McHale, the lead assistant on the staff, gets the highest compensation. As a group, the assistants will be paid competitively, with each individual earning more than anyone on former coach Tubby Smith's staff when they were hired. In 2007, Smith's staff made about $380,000 combined. Pitino's assistant coaches will make about $585,000 combined in their first season at Minnesota. All assistant contracts are 12-month renewable deals.
Here's the breakdown:
McHale: $215,000 annually
Kimani Young: $185,000 annually
Ben Johnson: $185,000 annually
In 2007, when they were hired as Smith's assistants, Ron Jirsa made $150,000, Vince Taylor made $140,000 and Saul Smith made about $90,000.
Also on Pitino's staff:
Steve Goodson (director of basketball operations): $75,000
Josh Adel (assistant director of basketball operations): $45,000
Dan McHale officially hired as final Richard Pitino assistant coach
Posted by: Amelia Rayno Updated: April 26, 2013 - 10:33 AMThe University of Minnesota officially announced Dan McHale as the final piece of Richard Pitino's new staff on Friday. (The Star Tribune reported on Tuesday that he was set to be hired).
McHale, Kimani Young and Ben Johnson are Pitino's assistant coaches.
"I have known Dan for a long time and know that he will be a great addition to our staff," Pitino said in a release. "He fits what we alreaady have in place here with Kimani and Ben, which is a love and passion for the game of basketball. I am looking forward to working with this staff as we build a competitive Big Ten program."
McHale, a 2001 graduate of Kentucky -- where he was a student manager under Tubby Smith -- spent the previous three seasons as an assistant at Seton Hall, and has also worked as an assistant at Iona.
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recent posts
- Rayno: Does Coleman's transfer pressure Pitino to get more locals?
- Buzz about former Gophers' Mbakwe and Williams
- Rayno: Is next year a rebuilding year for the Gophers?
- Rayno: Q&A with new Gopher Malik Smith
- Foster to follow Tubby Smith to Texas Tech
- Guard Malik Smith commits to Gophers men's basketball team
- Guard Joe Coleman released from scholarship by Gophers
- Rayno blog: Could Joey King or Josh Davis be forward options for the Gophers?
- aMAIlia BAG: What will Gophers lineup look like? How can Mathieu help? Where are the post players?
- Gophers to play Florida State at home in Big Ten-ACC Challenge
- Recruit Dre Mathieu officially signs with the Gophers
- Former UCLA recruit and Gophers target commits to Baylor
- Rayno: Pitino gets junior college point guard for Gophers
- Rayno: A glance at Pitino's assistants' salaries
- Dan McHale officially hired as final Richard Pitino assistant coach
- Rayno: Checking in with Gophers target Jarvis Johnson
- Gophers round out staff with two additions
- Catching up with Gophers recruiting target Dre Mathieu
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