Gophers Basketball

[Dotch]

That is the point - a new guy couldn't be worse.

So, can Johnson figure out how to make it better?  How long do you give 'em?  And who else they goona find?  None of the hot prospects want to come here.  They had a tough time hiring a coach when Pitino came.

I was no huge fan of Pitino, but his firing and Johnson's hiring is starting to remind me of the U firing Mason and going to Brewster.

Yup, I've maintained that this can be traced all the way back to when Tubby was fired. Can claim that Tubby's stubbornness about keeping Saul around to run his offense. That consisted of dribbling into the tall trees then passing the ball around the perimeter until late in the shot clock then putting up a prayer that clanged off the rim with no rebound. It was truly offensive. His nepotism ultimately cost him his job when Norwood Teague showed up and wanted to put his stamp on the program. Remember how a lot were convinced Norwood was gonna bring Shaka Smart here because of his VCU ties? He did get Stollings to come from VCU & coach the women but that didn't cost anything close to what a name brand men's coach would have. Coyle blew it by not keeping Pitino. With the U whining that their tuition isn't keeping pace with expenses, can't imagine they'll pony up big bucks for a new big name basketball coach anytime soon. 

[Gunner55]

I watched a couple coaches with Mn ties coaching yday in the NCAA's. One named Musselman & the other was a Dutcher, both won too.

[Dotch]

They were on many fans short lists last time. Would take either one but as Steve-O said, why would they want to come here? 

[Steve-o]

Yeah, we keep dreaming about those guys, but I don't think they are gettable.

There are only two things that are going to get a proven, successful coach to come here, and they are probably going to need both.

1) His ego.  Find a guy who wants to prove he can win anywhere - even at one of the worst Big 10 BB schools one of its lowest points (and there have been many).

2) Money.  Crazy money to lure him away from what he's getting now.

But like you said, Dotch, that ain't goona happen at the University of the Education State.

[glenn57]

heard on the news last night there already asking for more $$$$$ moey over there so they dont gotta raise tuiton????

there saying alot of freshmen are bailing after the first year!!!!!!

[dutchboy]

All we ever hear about is how much money the Big 10 brought in for the hockey program.
We hear constantly how much money football brings into the U.
Maybe if they quit spending millions on buildings over there they may have some money.
Even if the U won the NCAA tournament 12 years running they would want to raise tuition.
Fire Johnson, let the pillow guy slip a few million under the pillow for a new coach. There is zero reason the U can't be a top 4 Big 10 BB program year in and year out. They only should trail Michigan State, Purdue, Maryland & maybe Michigan in recruiting BB talent.

[glenn57]

the pillow guy is broke from legal fees!!!!!!

[Steve-o]

I didn't think Mike Lindell was a big U of M booster - is he?   

Yeah, MN should be a Big 10 powerhouse in basketball, but for many reasons, no one has been able to keep it rolling consistently. 

U of M freshmen retention rate is tied for 8th place in the Big 10 (of 14 total teams) at 92%, down 1% from last year.

[Dotch]

The #Gophers look like they have a new Women's Head Basketball Coach! Dawn Plitzuweit from West Virginia University has been hired. Was head coach at South Dakota in Vermillion from 2016 - 2022. She was 158 - 36 overall with a record of 83 - 10 in Summit league conference games. In her only year at WVU she was 19 - 12 overall & 10 - 8 in Big 12 conference play. From West Bend WI & played at Michigan Tech. Husband's name is Jay. They have two kids, a son & a daughter.

[Dotch]

It's official! You heard it here first...

https://gophersports.com/news/2023/3/18/womens-basketball-plitzuweit-named-womens-basketball-head-coach

[glenn57]

yea but is she HOT!!!!!!!

LPS wants to know!!!!!!

[mike89]

your call Glenn;

https://gophersports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/dawn-plitzuweit/2981

[Dotch]

She looks a little "cougar-ish"...

[glenn57]

She looks a little "cougar-ish"...

purrrfect!!!!!

[Steve-o]

I watched a couple coaches with Mn ties coaching yday in the NCAA's. One named Musselman & the other was a Dutcher, both won too.

Dutcher and Musselman both had upset victories to make it to the sweet 16.  Happy for them, but sad the UofM could never lure them here. 

[Gunner55]

  Never seen much of the game but they said Dutcher's team looked really good in their game yday. Arkansas had their hands full but did enough late to sneak by Kansas.