Three huge losses make you think about a lot of things. What went wrong? What could have gone right? Who could have made X shot? Who could have grabbed Y rebound?
We know a lot about what this Gophers team can and can't do. What we don't know – and quite often wonder – is how they COULD have done without those three huge losses.
No, not Illinois, Michigan and Iowa.
These three losses, which are all averaging double-digits at their new schools:
- 1. Justin Cobbs, 6-2, 195 pound guard
With the Gophers: Cobbs averaged 2.1 points and 1.3 assist in 10.7 minutes a game for the only year he played at the 'U,' his freshman season. - What happened: At the end of the 2009-10 season, Cobbs transferred to California and sat out his redshirt season.
Now: In nearly triple his minutes with Minnesota (29.3), the sophomore is averaging 12.4 points, 2.3 rebounds and leads the team in assists, with 4.6 a game.
2. Devoe Joseph, 6-4, 180 pound guard
With the Gophers: Joseph played three years for the Gophers, averaging 25 minutes in his last two. He improved from five to 9.4 to 11.3 points a game from his freshman season to his junior year. - What happened: About this time last year, Joseph's mother announced her son had decided to transfer out of Minnesota.
Now: After landing at Oregon, Joseph sat out the rest of last season and the start of this season, finally becoming eligible in December. Since then he has averaged 13.4 points, three rebounds and 3.3 assists a game for the Ducks. Thursday, in a 78-67 win over Stanford, Joseph scored a career-high 30 points.
3. Royce White, 6-8, 250 forward
With the Gophers: The Twin Cities native and local prep star was a prized recruit in 2009 but didn't play a lick. After his freshman season was marred by off-court problems, Minnesota suspended him indefinitely and prohibited him from practicing with the team. - What happened: In February 2010 he left the school. White then took a second-chance offer from Iowa State.
Now: What a turnaround, and a good story – for Iowa State. White leads his team in points and rebounds with 13.1 and 8.7 a game, while adding 3.8 assists. He's been the major impetus behind the Cyclones' 11-3 start.
