Recent content from Marcus Fuller
Gophers looking at Drexel forward and other graduate transfers
The Drexel forward might be just the first to check out the U campus.
Gophers, Pitino turn focus to 2020 after being shut out by state's Class of '19
With Rochester's Matthew Hurt set to announce his college choice - which will not be Minnesota - coach Richard Pitino has turned the page to 2020. Can he be more successful with another group that's attracting national attention?
Freeman signs with Gophers basketball, is another 6-10 option at center
Sam Freeman, who picked the Gophers over Virginia Tech earlier this month, averaged 13.5 points, 11 rebounds and 1.5 blocks this season for his prep team in Texas.
New contract in hand, Pitino gears up for another recruiting push
The Gophers have up to four scholarships still available for the Class of 2019 with the spring recruiting period starting Wednesday.
Fresh off tournament, Richard Pitino poised for big decisions on next Gophers roster
Four, possibly five, slots to be filled in next month.
Gophers basketball will play Oklahoma next season in Sioux Falls
This will be the third game for the Gophers at the Sanford Pentagon, which included playing Oklahoma State in 2015 and Vanderbilt in 2016.
This year's tournament signals a new era for NCAA basketball
College Basketball Insider: Successful teams take a page from the past to build winners for the future.
Analysis and prediction: Texas Tech vs. Virginia for the national title
These two programs have never played each other. Here's a look at how this historic first meeting might play out in Monday's national championship.
80 years of fabulous finishes to the NCAA basketball season
As entertaining as the past couple of weeks of this year's NCAA tournament have been, it will take a lot for Monday's national championship game to crack this list of the top 10 title games.
NCAA considering a change to graduate-transfer rule, which would make them less desirable
The proposed change to the graduate-transfer rule would put colleges on the hook for a two-year scholarship commitment, instead of just one season.
NCAA President Emmert addresses looming recruiting, scholarship issues at Final Four
Timetable on addressing NCAA violators, rules changes unclear.
Beard supports Izzo's tough-love style at Michigan State
Although he doesn't personally know about the relationship Tom Izzo has with his players, Chris Beard said "there's no doubt" that there's a lot of trust involved, just like in his Red Raiders program.
Coffey declares for NBA draft, keeps door open for return to Gophers
Even though he has declared and will work with an agent, new NCAA rules allow for Amir Coffey's return to the Gophers next fall for his senior season.
Gophers star Jordan Murphy has a busy Final Four weekend
The Big Ten team will try to defend its 3-on-3 championship title during Final Four weekend this year, with another Gophers All-Big Ten standout leading…
Losing the love, guard Washington leaving Gophers basketball
Richard Pitino said he couldn't play everyone when referring to Washington, and the Gophers coach decided to use 6-foot-8 Amir Coffey as his main point guard.
Coaches preparing their teams for crush of fans and media
Coaches lean on each other a lot for advice about how to deal with everything surrounding the event. Even Michigan State coach Tom Izzo, who's bringing a team for the eighth time, still asks for help.
Gophers 'set expectations high' as they look to build on NCAA tourney
Making an NCAA tournament run is Minnesota's goal next season, but coach Richard Pitino's biggest challenge is replacing one of the program's all-time greats.
Minnesota lauds its 'awesome' fans for traveling to Des Moines for NCAA tournament
Minnesota fans packed Wells Fargo Arena for both the Gophers' NCAA tournament games.
Gophers, Spartans have made big strides since February meeting
No. 2 seed Michigan State, which turned its season around and won the conference tournament, squares off against a Gophers team that in the opening round turned in its best performance of the season vs. Louisville.
Big Ten matchup pops up quickly in NCAA tournament
Saturday's Gophers/Spartans game will be the earliest two Big Ten teams have played in the NCAA tournament since the expansion to 64 teams in 1985
Gophers show new moves in Louisville win; Michigan St. next
Only a dozen of the 353 teams in Division I have fewer three-point baskets than the Gophers, who hit 11 of them in beating Louisville and moving into a Saturday night game against No. 2-seed Michigan State.
'No doubt': Murphy insists sore back won't keep him out vs. Michigan State
In the second round Saturday, the Gophers will need Jordan Murphy at his best against No. 2 seed Michigan State, who won the Big Ten regular-season and conference tournament titles.
Louisville's versatility will test Gophers; Stockman might not play
The Cardinals ranked second in the ACC in three-point attempts overall (834) and first in free-throw shooting percentage (77.5), which is on pace for a school record.
Veterans trying to prepare younger U teammates for NCAA pressure
The upperclassmen learned the hard way when the Gophers played their first NCAA tournament game under Richard Pitino as a No. 5 seed against Middle Tennessee State
Defense is key if Gophers are going to succeed against Louisville
The Gophers know another letdown can end their season.
Destination Des Moines: Gophers, Pitino draw Louisville
The 10th-seeded Gophers won't have to travel far for their first-round matchup with 7-seed Louisville on Thursday - a familiar opponent for coach Richard Pitino.
Gophers run out of steam in blowout loss to Michigan but it's energy well-spent
Michigan led by 19 at halftime, and showed was playing for something bigger in a 76-49 throttling of Minnesota at United Center. But the Gophers' statement in Chicago was noted.
Gophers guard Washington sees mop-up minutes
The former four-star recruit from New York missed his only shot, but Isaiah Washington had two assists and three fouls in 11 minutes against the Wolverines
Gophers' Stockman treated for concussionlike symptoms
Gophers' 7-footer Matz Stockman left Friday's game midway through the second half and was tested by the team trainer. He was hit in the head unintentionally by Purdue's Trevion Williams
Bring on the Big Ten semis: Murphy, Coffey lead Gophers to upset of Purdue
The seventh-seeded Gophers got 27 points from Jordan Murphy and 21 from Amir Coffey to upset No. 2 Purdue 75-73 and advance to Saturday's semifinals in Chicago.
Gophers AD Coyle confident recent victories enough for NCAA berth
The Gophers are confident they've done enough to be named one of the 36 NCAA at-large bids to be announced Sunday.
Coffey saves best for last in Gophers 'needed' OT victory over Penn State
Amir Coffey's 22 points in Thursday night's 77-72 overtime victory moves the seventh-seeded Gophers into Friday's third round vs. No. 2 Purdue, and all but assures them a spot in the NCAA tournament.
Life on the bubble: Gophers believe they're in, but win would ease angst
Richard Pitino believes the Gophers are in good shape to receive the program's second NCAA tournament at-large bid in three years. A win over Penn State on Thursday would firm that thought.
Gophers end regular season with a dud at Maryland
The Gophers faltered early against the Terps and now must wait on a rocky NCAA tournament bid.
Storm alert: Gophers survive 11th-ranked Purdue's late surge for upset
The Gophers knew what was at stake for them on Senior Night — the potential for a major accomplishment to add to their NCAA tournament résumé.
Curry injures foot, will miss rest of Gophers season
Sophomore center Eric Curry had just returned this season from a knee injury.
End of the journey: Senior Night will be emotional for U's Murphy, McBrayer
The senior captains have backgrounds and paths to Minnesota that could not be more different, but they formed a strong bond during their four years with the Gophers,
Meet Joe Lunardi, Mr. Bracketology and tracker of Final Four teams
ESPN's Joe Lunardi has become as synonymous with March as Cinderellas and pep bands.
Coffey doesn't tire as he scores in bunches at Northwestern
Amir Coffey entered Thursday's game averaging just 11 points on 35.9 percent shooting in his previous seven games.
With NCAA tournament hopes on line, U needs more from its veterans
During Sunday's loss at Rutgers, the Gophers' most experienced players deferred to freshmen, who were the ones playing more like veterans.
Home-state freshmen carry the load in Gophers loss
The Gophers freshmen combined for 41 points against the Scarlet Knights.
Road to nowhere? Gophers' NCAA hopes take another hit with loss at Rutgers
Freshmen Gabe Kalscheur and Daniel Oturu were the only Minnesota players in double figures, combining for 41 points in a 68-64 loss.
Gophers coach Richard Pitino: We're still in the fight
In a Q&A with the Star Tribune, Richard Pitino gave an assessment so far of this season, how the offense can improve, talks with athletics director Mark Coyle about his program's future and more.
Bad shooting, defensive lapses frustrate Gophers in loss to Michigan
Forward Jordan Murphy admitted that the Gophers were so discouraged with their poor shooting at times that it carried over to defensive lapses.
Gophers need calm, but want 'crazy environment' for Michigan rematch
Beating seventh-ranked Michigan tonight at Williams Arena could be what nails down Minnesota's spot in the NCAA men's basketball tournament.
Curry returns from calf injury, but Washington sits out Gophers' win
The Gophers were down one player to injury for Saturday's 84-63 win vs. Indiana, but they gained another back into the rotation.
In search of a solution: Gophers desperate to end losing streak
The Gophers enter Saturday's home game against Indiana hoping to climb back up and stop a four-game losing streak. They are 0-for-February and have fallen from sixth to eighth place in the Big Ten since the slump began.
Angry Pitino laments 'absolutely unfortunate' final moments in loss to Nebraska
James Palmer Jr.'s two free throws with 1.1 seconds left following a controversial foul call sealed Nebraska's 62-61 victory. "We deserved to win the game," Gophers coach Richard Pitino said.
Injuries, losing streak complicate Nebraska's season
The Cornhuskers' seven-game losing streak — one that ended by edging the Gophers 62-61 on Wednesday — put the program in danger of missing the NCAA tournament for the fifth consecutive year.
'We have to pull through': Gophers in search of answers away from home
Poor shooting, undisciplined defense and an absence of mental and physical toughness to finish games have all contributed to a 1-6 road record filled with lopsided losses.
Gophers' Curry sits out Saturday's game because of calf injury
"We need Eric back," coach Richard Pitino said. "We're clearly a better team, just a more complete team with him back."
Frozen solid: Misses from deep range adding up in a bad way for Gophers
The Gophers are among the nation's worst teams at shooting three-pointers, and are on pace to set a program record for lowest three-point percentage.
Lakeville North's Reuvers gets to play at Williams Arena — as a Badger
Nate Reuvers attended Gophers games as a standout at Lakeville North, but he always wondered what it would be like to play on the Barn's raised floor. Wednesday he got his chance.
Gophers believe remaining schedule sets up well for NCAA berth
Minnesota's remaining schedule, beginning with tonight's game vs. Wisconsin, is ideal for a team needing more quality victories to feel comfortable on Selection Sunday in March.
Gophers men lose 13-point lead in second half, fall to Purdue
Purdue put together a 21-2 run midway through the second half to end Minnesota's upset bid. "We went cold at the wrong time," Richard Pitino said.
Now as a reserve, Oturu still providing boost for Gophers
The 6-10 Cretin-Derham Hall product carried his team in the first half Sunday, scoring 13 of his 19 points in a 73-63 loss at No. 17 Purdue.
Gophers' Coffey leads in college while developing NBA skills
Junior guard Amir Coffey is having a banner season, averaging a career-high 18.9 points (third in the Big Ten), 3.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists in conference play.
Gophers freshman center Daniel Oturu back playing after shoulder injury
He had 11 points and eight rebounds in 19 minutes, going 7-for-10 from the free-throw line.
Stain removal: Gophers hope to erase memory of rout at Illinois
The Illinois team that dominated the Gophers 95-68 on Jan. 16 will be on the other bench again Wednesday night at Williams Arena as Minnesota looks to take another step in its recovery process.
Hot-shooting, slick-passing Gophers knock off No. 19 Iowa
Playing without starter Daniel Oturu, Minnesota shot 57 percent from the field and dished out 25 assists on 32 field goals. "When we get the ball moving, good things can happen," coach Richard Pitino said.
Back-up big men step up, play big roles in beating Iowa
The Gophers knew Daniel Oturu's absence Sunday would be difficult to overcome, but Eric Curry and Matz Stockman rose to the challenge.
Buzzer beaten: No. 5 Michigan survives Gophers final-minutes rally
"We thought we were going into overtime," said Gophers center Eric Curry, who blocked the shot that was tipped to Michigan's Charles Matthews for the game-winner.
He takes and takes: Gophers' Murphy has 'special' talent for rebounding
Every missed shot is another rebound-in-waiting for Gophers' senior Jordan Murphy, whose 12 boards per game leads the Big Ten and ranks second nationally.
McBrayer's late free throw helps the Gophers survive Penn State
For the second game in a row, the Gophers faced a winless Big Ten team, but Dupree McBrayer's free throw with 2.7 seconds left helped them escape with a 65-64 victory over Penn State.
Gophers-Penn State game recap
The Gophers needed some last-second help to avoid being the first conference victory for a second consecutive Big Ten foe.
Saunders returns to Williams Arena, shares experiences from time at U
Earlier in the season, Ryan Saunders made a commitment to talk to the Gophers booster club before Saturday night's game against Penn State. That was before he got a pretty big job change. But he stuck to it.
Tre Jones proving his value at Duke; injury won't keep him out long
College basketball insider: What recruiting analysts and Minnesota basketball fans suspected long ago was that Tyus Jones' little brother also could lead Duke to the No. 1 ranking.
Marcus Fuller's Final Four prediction: Will fast-starting powers stay strong?
College basketball reporter Marcus Fuller will get about a dozen weeks this winter to predict the four teams coming to Minneapolis in April. Here's his second shot.
Bad start, worse finish: Illinois crushes Gophers by 27 for first Big Ten win
Illinois hadn't won a game since beating East Tennessee State more than a month ago and had dropped its first five Big Ten games. Gophers coach Richard Pitino said, "We didn't compete like a Big Ten team physically."
Mom's encouragement helped Gophers' Curry heal
Missing last season and games into this season was the most adversity Eric Curry had experienced in his career, but his mother helped him get through it from afar.
'She would want me to keep fighting': McBrayer plays inspired
As much as he's gone through in the past month, Dupree McBrayer has still been the most consistent all-around player for the Gophers, who will lean on his leadership tonight at Illinois.
Jordan Murphy, Gophers teammates improve from free-throw line
The Gophers made 20 of 25 attempts from the foul line against the Scarlet Knights.
Top college basketball players back on campus, and boosting Big Ten
College basketball insider: The Big Ten greatly benefited from a majority of the league's top non-seniors deciding to stick around for one more season.
Gophers fall short on both ends of court as Maryland rallies to win
Maryland's Anthony Cowan and Jalen Smith combined for 48 points and the Gophers shot just 9-for-23 from the free-throw line to end Minnesota's six-game winning streak.
Terrapins' recruiting keeps pace with Big Ten's elite basketball teams
Maryland was rated No. 1 in the Big Ten and top-10 nationally last year with a six-player 2018 class that included McDonald's All-America Jalen Smith
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