The differences between this year's Gophers men's basketball and last year's team are numerous, starting of course with head coach Richard Pitino taking over for the fired Tubby Smith.
That said, the similarities are also pretty striking — even if this year's squad seems to be giving off far more of a positive vibe with the fans. That's a credit to Pitino, since expectations for this season were lower than they were a year ago, but still: Let's take a look.
2012-13 Gophers
Category
2013-14 Gophers
17-7, 5-6
Overall/Big Ten record as of Feb. 11
16-8, 5-6
Four-game losing streak after a 3-0 start
Conference slump before Feb. 11
Three-game losing streak by a combined eight points
Wisconsin
Opponent in 25th game of season
Wisconsin
Andre Hollins, 14.6 ppg
Leading scorer
Andre Hollins, 14.9 ppg
Trevor Mbakwe, who was granted a sixth year of eligibility
Surprising contribution from a big man
Mo Walker, who dropped 60 pounds in the offseason
February home win over Indiana
Desperately needed victory to remain in NCAA tournament hunt
February home win over Indiana
No. 11 seed, faced UCLA in their first game
Gophers in the NCAA tournament
Projected as a No. 11 seed in latest ESPN "bracketology" report
MICHAEL RAND