Five things as I get readjusted to this tundra ...

1. Friday's game wasn't pretty. The good news? Minnesota has a rare three-game week filled with opportunities to right the ship. It all starts with what could be a challenging game tonight against Western Kentucky (ESPN3; 7 p.m). My story on the week ahead in today's Star Tribune, plus a preview box with more information, and some notes from yesterday's press conference.

2. After one week, the power rankings begin. Thomas Beindit has Minnesota at No. 8 after the 81-68 loss to Louisville.

3. Want to feel better (or maybe worse, I'm not sure which) about that loss? Preseason All-America Montrezl Harrell was named CBS Sports' first Player of the Week of the new season.

4. The Wooden Award watch list came out yesterday and includes seven Big Ten players. Not unexpectedly, no Minnesota players got the nod, but BTN's Brent Yarina has his own list of snubs. Andre Hollins is on that one.

5. The results of one game? We can't take them too seriously, just as we have to keep in mind how much basketball (not much) the rest of the nation has played. But after a matchup that felt lopsided and uncompetitive, kenpom.com reflects some positivity. As of Tuesday morning, Minnesota ranked 33rd nationally in offensive efficiency, and 60th in defensive efficiency. Don't get too excited, though, those numbers will change -- oh and the Gophers were rated 242nd in free throw percentage 320th nationally (of 351 teams) in the ratio of free throw attempts to field goal attempts allowed by the opponent.


I'll be chatting live here at noon, so bring your questions about Louisville, Western Kentucky and the road ahead. And if you'd like to hear more about Puerto Rico beaches, rum and plantains, I've got you there, too.