The more things change, the more they stay the same. That old French saying, translated into English, is a good way to describe how the Gophers basketball program has remained in the middle-of-the pack or below in the Big Ten pecking order for years despite coaching changes, different systems and personnel.

That slogan also describes my move from the Gophers writer at the Pioneer Press for over a decade to covering the University of Minnesota men's basketball team at the Star Tribune this week (Amelia Rayno's moving to features). It's a big change for me, but it's also so familiar now.

When I first started at the Pioneer Press in 2005, I had a one-on-one, getting-to-know you meeting with then-Gophers basketball coach Dan Monson. I crammed my head with as much info about Monson and the team as I could to prepare for it. But he still caught me off guard when the first thing he said to me walking into his office was, "You remind me of J.B. Bickerstaff." I scrambled to think of who Bickerstaff was.

Back when I was in playing shape (20 pounds and two leg surgeries ago), I'd get the "who do you play for?" question daily. Bickerstaff was a two-year starter from 1999-2000. I was flattered. But hadn't gone back that far to research the 6-foot-5 guard who was the son of NBA coach, Bernie Bickerstaff. J.B.'s a national name now after following in his father's footsteps to become a NBA coach. He made his debut last season as the interim replacing Kevin McHale with the Houston Rockets.

Since my first day on the beat 11 years ago, I promised myself I wouldn't get stumped by the name of an ex-Gopher, especially one not far removed from his playing days. Now every year before the season, I like to make comparisons of my own.

Looking at this 2016-17 roster, I'd say Nate Mason's aggressive scorer's mentality and swagger at point guard reminds me of Lawrence McKenzie (2007-08) and Andre Hollins (2011-15). Top incoming freshman Amir Coffey's passing skills as a 6-8 guard hasn't been seen here probably since Leo Rautins aka "White Magic" played one season for the Gophers in 1978 (Never saw him but heard diehard Gophers fans describe his skills).

The best look-a-like player comparison, though, is definitely Jordan Murphy bringing back memories of Trevor Mbakwe's #beastmode days at the U from 2010-13. Murphy is about 6-7 and 240 pounds. So is Mbakwe. Both players are intimidating in the paint, powerfully built and never saw a basket they did not want to punish with a thunderous dunk. They both crash the offensive glass like mad men and talk about the art of rebounding like philosophers. Murphy watches videos of Mbakwe because of how much they're similar. Murphy's screams last season after slams mirrored Mbakwe's emotional outbursts at the Barn a few years earlier. Will Murphy ever lead the Big Ten in rebounding like Mbakwe did twice? Maybe not. But Murphy's only a sophomore. He could end up being better in a lot of ways. Let me know what you think of my comparisons, or if you have any others with this roster.

If you ask Richard Pitino, Minnesota has enough talent to not only make fans forget about last year's embarrassing eight wins but make some type of postseason, even the NCAA tournament. He says this is his best team yet. If the Gophers make the NCAAs, it'll be a big change from the current state of the program. That would also be at the same level as when Pitino took over from Tubby Smith three years ago. Sometimes much of the same is a good thing.