The Opening Tip is a new feature to Gold in the Barn, with the goal being to share five nuggets -- mostly Gophers or Big Ten related but occasionally not -- every morning between 8 and 10. Dig it? Hate it? Want to see something specific in it? Send me feedback at amelia.rayno@startribune.com or tweet me @AmeliaRayno.

[Aside: the blog is a little more sparse than usual this week. Don't worry that's not a trend. I had a very big item added to my work load, thus the skimpier week, but things will pick up next week again!]

Five tidbits as I last-minute pack for Columbus (one of my top-four favorite spots in the Big Ten):

1. Recruiting update No. 1. Last night: Josh Martin had 24 points, 17 rebounds and seven blocks in Bothell High School's win over Roosevelt. Nate Mason has 24 points and five assists for Arlington Country Day in a win over West Oaks (via @D1Circuit).

2. Recruiting update No. 2: Want to know more about Bakary Konate, one of two visitors to Minnesota this week? Rivals' Ryan James has got you covered.

3. In case you missed it, Big Ten Network checked in with DeAndre Mathieu for a Q&A, here.

4. New bracketology! Gophers fans, breathe a sigh of relief. Joe Lunardi still has Minnesota as an 11-seed after Wednesday night's loss to Illinois at home.

5. Catch up on what Ohio State did in its last time out with Bob Baptist of the Columbus Dispatch.