![]() ![]() With Garcia and Payne leading the scouting report, Minnesota’s upcoming moves to add guards through the portal will be paramount. Johnson started referring to them as sophomores midway through last season, and expectations will go up next year. The Gophers four freshmen each averaged 20 minutes a game, the only Big Ten team to play that many rookies that often. “(It’s) just tough to go out this way, but to have this core group of freshmen for the next couple years is definitely exciting.” “He’s a good man to have inside,” Carrigton said after Thursday’s second-round loss to Maryland in the Big Ten tournament in Chicago. ![]() Payne’s development ramped up in February and March, showing the 6-foot-9 center could be a menace to opponents next season. I know we’ve got all the right pieces from top to bottom.” Because I feel like we can be, I know we can be really good. Garcia said Thursday night it was tough to think about next year so soon but added, “I’m sure when that time comes, just continue to be connected in the gym together and really strive for something special. With three of the four captains set to leave the team, Garcia’s leadership role will need to increase next season. Garcia became the Gophers’ go-to player this season, with the 6-foot-11 center/forward averaging 15.3 points and 6.7 rebounds. Preseason practice will open in the fall. The Gophers will give players a few weeks off after the season and will reconvene for five weeks of spring workouts, then eight weeks of summer training. Johnson has outlined plans for player development and where he sees each player in the program’s big picture. You are hoping that they understand the vision that you have for them and why they can help our program become better.” You hope that they are enjoying coming to practice, enjoying all that stuff that goes into playing the games. “You are hoping that guys feel that they are getting better. “You are talking to guys about their improvement,” Johnson said. They currently have two open scholarships for next year.ĭuring the last-place finish, Johnson worked to ward off departures. Minnesota, which finished 9-22 overall and 2-17 in Big Ten play, will mine that vein for veteran additions. While the portal can rob a roster, it can also infuse one with talent. ![]()
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