Big Ten Tournament 2013: Five things the Gophers must prove
By Cody Steger
To say that the Minnesota Gophers have something to prove in Chicago at the Big Ten tournament is an understatement.
Thursday’s matchup against the Illinois Fighting Illini will be the next task for head coach Tubby Smith and company as they try to regain composure for a run in the NCAA Tournament.
But in order to put a fear in opponents at March Madness, Minnesota has to prove in the Big Ten Tournament that they are still the team that was once ranked as high as No. 8.
Feb 26, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Gophers forward Rodney Williams Jr. (33) reaches for a rebound in the first half against the Indiana Hoosiers
1. The starting back court can be consistent
Both Andre Hollins and Joe Coleman’s production have dipped over the past few weeks. Besides the performance on Saturday at Purdue, Hollins has not had a great game since Wisconsin.
Similarly, Coleman has been in a major funk. The sophomore did not attempt a shot at Nebraska last week and looks hesitant when he gets the ball.
Coleman is not a three-pointer shooter, but he has a great jumpshot when he gets the ball. If Coleman builds confidence, the guard is lethal with his shooting delivery.
The duo needs to be productive in Smith’s offense in order for Minnesota to win a game or two in the Big Ten tournament. Points are a necessity, especially if the Gophers face Indiana in the second round.
2. Defensive efforts stabilize
After allowing 70 or more points just twice since the start of February, the Gophers had its worst defensive performance since its loss against Duke in the Bahamas.
Since the middle of January, Minnesota has consistently dropped down the ranks in defensive efficiency in the nation. Currently, the Gophers rank No. 46 in the country and No. 7 in the Big Ten.
Minnesota is no longer rebounding on the levels that people have expected them to. The team gives up an offensive rebound 33 percent of possessions.
3. Trevor Mbakwe is a double-double machine
Mbakwe has been the lone consistency in Smith’s lineup this season. After proving himself by coming back from injury and off-court issues, Mbakwe is the player teammates can trust.
Mar 9, 2013; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers forward Trevor Mbakwe (32) has his shot blocked by Purdue Boilermakers center A.J. Hammons (20) at Mackey Arena. Purdue defeats Minnesota 89-73. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
If he steps up his leadership, it will take pressure off of the starting back court.
Illinois does not have a big guy that matches up well with Mbakwe in Thursday’s matchup, and if the Gophers do advance, the senior should not be concerned about a clash with Indiana’s Cody Zeller on Friday.
Mbakwe put up a season-high 21 points two weeks ago against the Hoosiers.
4. Minnesota’s bench can be reliable
Besides Maverick Ahanmisi, no other player on Minnesota’s bench has played in each of the team’s 31 games.
While the point guard will turn over the basketball at a high rate, Ahanmisi is a consistent shooter on all parts of the court and can make free throws better than anyone on the roster.
The Gophers need others to step up as well. Elliott Eliason has had flashes of brilliance in the frontcourt as of late and has the trust of the coaching staff.
Seniors Julian Welch and Andre Ingram could also be two players that Smith relies heavily on in the Big Ten tournament. Both got significant minutes late in the season last year.
5. Tubby Smith can coach
March 9, 2013; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers coach Tubby Smith coaches on the sidelines against the Purdue Boilermakers at Mackey Arena. Purdue defeats Minnesota 89-73. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
The coaching staff could be on metaphorical life support after another poor finish to the regular season.
Smith might be coaching for his job after the Twin Cities media lunged at the coaching staff following the team crumbling from its impressive 15-1 start.
Luckily, the team is heading to a friendly place in terms of winning percentage. Minnesota has won the first game of the Big Ten tournament in four of Smith’s five seasons as the Gophers head coach. In 2011, Smith led Minnesota all the way to the finals against Ohio State.
Of all the people that could do something in Chicago, either positive or negative, Smith is No. 1.