The Gophers basketball season is just kicking off, with today marking the fifth fall practice of the year. Right now, there are many more questions than answers, and it will probably be that way for some time.
But new coach Richard Pitino gave the first hint today of what the 2013-14 starting lineup could look like.
That Andre Hollins and Austin Hollins root it is no surprise, but Pitino said senior Maverick Ahanmisi could also be a candidate for a starting role.
The three were named co-captains by a teammate vote heading into the season, and Pitino has made it clear he likes Ahanmisi as an important cog on the team, and as a leader. Asked whether he could start a lineup that features all three, the coach said:
"Yeah, absolutely. I would say there's a good chance of that."
Last season, Ahanmisi's minutes actually dipped -- going from 13.3 minutes a game the year before to 10.5. While he has proven capable of hot shooting in spot appearances, he has struggled defensively and with turnovers, maintaining one of the worst turnover rates on the team at 27.7.
This year, both of those things are being looked at, and will need to improve for Ahanmisi to take the next step. Ahanmisi said that he's been working a lot with JUCO transfer Deandre Mathieu, who has a reputation of playing intense defense -- and his regular bouts with Andre Hollins in practice don't hurt. And Pitino said he is addressing the subject of turnovers as a whole, with the team emphasizing ballhandling in practice on Tuesday.
"Coming into the University of Minnesota, I really didn't play defense that well, "Ahanmisi said. "Just playing against Andre Hollins, guarding one of the top guards in the country is going to help me."
