A Stupidly Optimistic 2020-21 Gopher Basketball Preview

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Cameron ThompsonLeave a Comment on A Stupidly Optimistic 2020-21 Gopher Basketball Preview

As everyone knows being a fan of Minnesota SportsTM is a fucking nightmare to say the least. MN SportsTM historically give their fans hope, only to rip their hearts out with some ridiculous way en route to sucking again.

In fact, it’s so bad that the state of Minnesota is running out of hospital beds. This has nothing to do with COVID and everything to do with the heart attacks that MN fans suffer immediately following any major sporting event.

Now, I wouldn’t be a MN SportsTM fan if I didn’t give into that fake hope, and that’s exactly what I am here to do. I present to you the 2020-21 Gopher Basketball team.

The Roster

The Gophers will be led by three captains this year, Redshirt Junior G Marcus Carr, Junior G Gabe Kalscheur, and Redshirt Senior F Eric Curry.

The Gophers were able to add 3 key pieces to the puzzle via the waiver wire. Junior C Liam Robbins transferred from Drake University, Redshirt Senior F Brandon Johnson transferred from Western Michigan University, and Junior G Both Gach transferred from the University of Utah. Richard Pitino absolutely killed the transfer portal this year.

Pitino has received a lot of grief for his lackluster in-state recruiting. But if he can continue to dominate the transfer portal, I’m all for it! Bringing experienced players can and will make a difference right away.

The Gophers were also able bring in two freshmen regarded as 3-star recruits according to 24/7 sports.

C Martice Mitchell and G Jamal Washburn Jr (Son of former NBA player Jamal Mashburn) both look to contribute right away for the Gophers. The Gophers depth will allow both Mitchell and Mashburn to be mentored by the upper classmen, which will help both players tremendously.

The Schedule

The Gophers finally announced their schedule Wednesday night, just a week before the season is set to kick off.

The Gophers schedule is a weird one. There are only 5 non-conference games thanks to COVID-19. However, Minnesota should not have a problem with any of these games. Then, there is the Big 10 schedule, which is an absolute gauntlet.

There are literally no easy games in the Big 10 this year. If the Gophers want to make noise they are going to have to get shit figured out expeditiously. Starting Big 10 play against Illinois, Iowa, Michigan State is tough. Add in Wisconsin, Ohio State, and Michigan and it makes me want to projectile vomit like a High Schooler who drank too much UV Blue.

Actual video of me after drinking too much UV Blue.

The Gophers have the talent to make some noise this year even with how tough the Big 10 is going to be. But realistically, I can not wait to watch this team go undefeated in the non-conference portion of the schedule, only to shit the bed in Big 10 play. Sorry to get all your hopes up once again Minnesota, but let’s be real if you made it to this part of the blog you were already a sucker for this team.

SKI-U-MAH

Go Gophers