2013-2014 Big Ten Basketball Preview: #10 Minnesota Golden Gophers

Last Season: A 15-1 start saw the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers peak at 8 in the national rankings, and a 6-13 finish saw them miss the NCAA tournament. This collapse lead to the end of the Tubby Smith era in Minnesota (neutral observer: I feel bad for Tubby. He's 511-226 and he's been fired from his last two jobs) and the beginning of the Pitino era. Minnesota ended up playing in the NIT tournament, and winning one game before falling to Florida. I suppose Tubby's teams did have a tendency to underachieve and/or fall apart late, but he had 5 20-win seasons and 3 NCAA tournament berths (not exactly chump change). Pitino will hope to build on that success.

Departures: Trevor Mbakwe, Rodney Williams, Julian Welch, Andre Igram

Returning Players: Andre Hollins, Austin Hollins, Joe Coleman, Maverick Ahanmisi, Elliott Eliason

Newcomers: Daquein Mcneil, Malik Smith, Deandre Mathieu

What to Expect: Well, Tubby didn't exactly leave Pitino the easiest job. Minnesota will have one of the best backcourts in league (and one of the most confusing to keep straight) with twin brothers Andre and Austin Hollins starting. The brothers were the team's leading scorers last year, and figure to be this year as well. Guard Malik smith followed Pitino to Minny from FIU and will add depth, while JUCO guard Deandre Mathieu will help as well. The frontcourt saw Trevor Mbakwe and Rodney Williams depart and leave a lot of inexperience in the frontcourt. The trio of Maurice Walker, Elliott Eliason, and Oto Osenieks will attempt to fill the gaping hole there.

Trevor Mbakwe

Storyline to watch: This one is obvious... the coaching change. Pitino brings a name that has pedigree and a boatload of fresh energy, but there's more than that winning. Pitino is intriguing because he has the aforementioned qualities, but is still a relative unknown in the minds of many, as he has only been coaching for one year. His first season won't be easy, but if the team shows improvement throughout the schedule, the excitement will likely remain high in Minneapolis.

Final Prediction: 15-14 (6-12)
I think Richard Pitino will be a very good coach, and for now I have no reason to dislike him as much as his Dad.

Richard Pitino