Five questions about the Gophers men's basketball team

Jeff Wheeler, Star Tribune

Gophers in and out of uniform during the preseason.

Looking to the season ahead as the Gophers begin play.

By MYRON P. MEDCALF, Star Tribune

Last update: November 13, 2009 - 2:25 PM

Q How will the Gophers play with Royce White, Trevor Mbakwe and Devron Bostick out of action indefinitely?

A They should be good. Last season, they made it to the Big Dance and beat Louisville without the new guys. Freshmen Rodney Williams and Justin Cobbs can contribute now. And the Gophers are still one of the Big Ten's best defensive teams.

Q Will Al Nolen be the starting point guard by season's end?

A Yes. Nolen didn't have a bad year (see 2.5 assist-to-turnover ratio), but he didn't excel as expected on the offensive end (6.5 points per game). Still, he's perhaps the best perimeter defender in the Big Ten. If Devoe Joseph becomes a starter, he likely will play combo guard. Cobbs is young but will push Nolen -- though he won't replace him.

Q Will post players Colton Iverson and Ralph Sampson III make a big jump from their freshman to sophomore seasons?

A It's possible. Both Iverson and Sampson have added some weight to frames that needed it. If Iverson hits his free throws and Sampson gets more physical on the offensive end, both have the potential to be two of the team's top scorers.

Q Will the Gophers contend for a Big Ten title?

A Maybe. There's a lot of parity in the Big Ten, but Michigan State and Purdue are in a different league. The Gophers could be in that stratosphere if they get Mbakwe and White back to compete with stellar Michigan State and Purdue frontcourts.

Q How far will they go?

A They will win at least one game in the NCAA tournament. The Gophers are experienced enough and athletic enough to get out of the first round. With a full squad, they might be a Sweet 16 team. But there aren't any guarantees that they will ever have everyone at the same time, so it's a tough call.

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