The first season in Minnesota's new era of basketball ended in an NIT championship and optimistic glances ahead. The Gophers lose four players from the current team (Austin Hollins, Maverick Ahanmisi and Malik Smith expiring their eligibility and Oto Osenieks retiring), but keep four starters from the postseason run and get a pile of fresh faces in the fall. What's to look forward to? What needs work? Here are a few of my thoughts on the road ahead.
Five things to be excited about:
1. A new banner: No, it's not of the NCAA variety, but it's still the first notable addition to the rafters (that wasn't later removed) since 1993. That's a positive (wrapped in a negative, but it's still a positive).
2. DeAndre Mathieu: The most pleasant surprise of 2013-14 has one more season in Maroon and Gold, and should only improve next season. If the tiny guard has even a similar curve of growth in his senior season, he could be one of the top floor generals in the league.
3. A big recruiting class: After getting a commitment from Illinois State transfer Zach Lofton, the Gophers have six new faces joining Minnesota in the fall. That equals a lot of new personalities and opportunity, even if Lofton has to sit out one season via NCAA rules. It also means after plenty of turnover before last season, this team will look wildly different than the one Tubby Smith last coached just two years earlier.
4. Richard Pitino's offense in Year 2: After a full year to get settled in, things behind the scenes should be smoother for Pitino heading into his second season at Minnesota. He won't be putting in a new system and he'll only have a handful or two new players, rather than a full team. That comfort level should come through on the court, too. Pitino introduced the Big Ten to a free-flowing and occasionally dynamic offense a year ago. Look for him to build on that growth.
5. Josh Martin antics: Let me fill you in, in case you're not aware. This kid has a personality the size of Europe, and he's going to a blast for fans if he gets any notable playing time whatsoever. He's already talked about salivating over the chance to fly all over the boards and "flex for the camera." Yes, that should help pump a little life into the Barn.
Five areas of improvement: