Meet next season's Gophers now: Marcus Fuller's projected lineup

March 18, 2017 at 2:45AM

Bigger and better?

Beat writer Marcus Fuller looks ahead to next fall's likely Gophers starting lineup and projected rotation:

Starters (year in 2017-18)

 G  Nate Mason, 6-2, senior

Nate Mason
(Brian Wicker — Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

The U's first All-Big Ten player since 2005 will enter next season as one of the nation's top floor leaders and a second-year team captain.

 G  Amir Coffey, 6-8, sophomore

Minnesota guard Amir Coffey (5) fights for the ball with Michigan forward Mark Donnal (34) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the Big Ten tournament, Saturday, March 11, 2017, in Washington.
(Associated Press/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

The All-Big Ten freshman team selection ranked second on the team in scoring (12.2), assists (3.1), steals (1.1) and minutes played (33.3).

 F  Davonte Fitzgerald, 6-8, junior

Gophers Davonte Fitzgerald (20) during a team scrimmage at Williams Arena. ] CARLOS GONZALEZ ï cgonzalez@startribune.com - October 25, 2015, Minneapolis, MN, Williams Arena, University of Minnesota Gophers Basketball Scrimmage,
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Sat out last season after his second major knee injury. But the Texas A&M transfer provides experience, outside shooting and length.

 F  Jordan Murphy, 6-6, junior

Gophers forward Jordan Murphy was fouled by Badgers forward Ethan Happ during a game last season.
(Brian Stensaas — Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

He showed his massive potential as a consistent double-double threat in the second half of his sophomore season. He could lead the Big Ten in rebounding next year.

 C  Reggie Lynch, 6-10, senior

Minnesota's Reggie Lynch (22) makes his 11th block of the game as he blocks a shot by Penn State's Payton Banks last Saturday.
(Associated Press/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

What would happen if a shot-block specialist and the Big Ten defensive player of the year improves as a scorer and rebounder and limits fouls? Scary thought.

Key reserves (year in 2017-18)

 G  Dupree McBrayer, 6-5, junior

Arguably will be the top sixth man in the Big Ten next season as a instant-scoring option.

 G  Isaiah Washington, 6-1, freshman

The Gophers' point guard of the future is expected to be one of the most exciting newcomers in the conference.

 F  Eric Curry, 6-9, sophomore

The team's most versatile frontcourt player should improve offensively after gaining confidence from his first season.

 F  Michael Hurt, 6-6, sophomore

Could be one of the top shooters on the team and most improved player.

 G  Jamir Harris, 6-1, freshman

Another three-point threat, and he can handle the ball.

 C  Bakary Konate, 6-11, senior

With more development, he can provide shot blocking and rebounding depth behind Lynch.

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about the writer