Five things about Gophers basketball for which to be thankful

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.

November 24, 2011 at 6:40PM
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Freshman guard Andre Hollins
Freshman guard Andre Hollins (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

It's Thanksgiving – and if ever there was a day to be positive in the middle of the season, it's today. Therefore, here are five things the Gophers have to be thankful for:

1. Trevor Mbakwe. In his senior season, the power forward has been all anyone could have hoped – an aggressive presence, a definite leader and a legitimate star.

2. They're undefeated. You can gripe all you want about close games and lower-level opponents, but the Gophers have won four games by double-digits. That's a positive.

3. Closing. This was a real struggle for the Gophers last year and they have truly picked up the intensity in each one of their games thus far, winning with energy.

4. Rebounding. They haven't reached their potential yet, and that's a good thing because they're still pretty darn good on the glass.

5. Young players getting minutes. This team has a raw core that is getting invaluable experience right now. They're learning on the job, and that can only mean good things for the future.

I have plenty to be thankful for as well -- I'm spending my day with loved ones and I hope everyone else is doing the same! Happy Thanksgiving.

about the writer

about the writer

ajrayno

More from Sports

See More
card image
Cassidy Hettesheimer/The Minnesota Star Tribune

For the last 60 years the International Falls and Fort Frances boys hockey teams have crossed the U.S.-Canada border to face off in a rivalry series that is now up to 94 games.

card image
card image