Three observations from tonight's 92-57 win over Seattle:

The new walk-on is interesting. One day after Minnesota announced that 6-foot-3 Wisconsin native Mike Lukashewich would join the team, the freshman guard dipped his feet in the pool -- getting four minutes, one of those coming in the first half, of the Minnesota win. Almost instantly, Lukashewich blocked a three-point shot. Afterward, the guard, who played high school ball in Appleton, Wisc., said he received a few DII and DIII scholarships but decided to focus on his studies instead. "I'm excited about him," coach Richard Pitino said. "I think he's a valuable addition."

No Gas yet, but still wouldn't be surprised to see him on Monday. International freshman big, Gaston Diedhiou, didn't make it off the bench in the first game he was eligible for on Friday. Then again, Diedhiou hadn't practiced with the team at all, just learning of his status as the team was finishing up yesterday. Pitino said he wanted to ensure that Diedhiou can at least handle himself in some throwaway minutes before he stripped away any redshirt possibility. The coach wouldn't elaborate on his plans for the 6-foot-9 power forward, given that he has yet to fully evaluate him, but he said he's operating as if Diedhiou can help the team this year.

This team is getting better. I legitimately got a little more excited about Big Ten play tonight. This Minnesota squad certainly isn't without its flaws, the lack of rebounding chief among them. But I will say this: I've seen marked improvement since the start of the season in almost every category. The Gophers are moving the ball better. They're taking better shots. Their offense is versatile and their defense is enormously improved from a year ago, at least from what we've seen so far. The pace is great. And individually, guys seem to be getting better. DeAndre Mathieu, a real distributor this season, has been the defensive gnat he set his sights on. Andre Hollins isn't far behind. Carlos Morris is getting better by the day. Even Charles Buggs and Bakary Konate look to be taking steps. Mo Walker is looking more and more like the X factor that could allow this team to leap-frog other middle meddlers in the league. I don't want to gush, but I think I'm gushing.

Anyway, let's start the Big Ten already.