Minnesota 2010 Preview & Predictions

Minnesota Golden Gophers Basketball 2010-2011 Preview, Predictions, Picks & Odds

With the College Basketball 2010-2011 Season just around the corner, we are providing season previews & predictions for all NCAA basketball teams to give you the betting edge this year. Follow the best College Basketball Handicappers as they analyze their teams in this 2010-2011 basketball season preview. Be sure to bookmark SportsbookBuzz.com your source for Sportsbook Reviews. Use our comprehensive and insider info to bet successfully on the College Basketball in our recommend online sportsbooks.View the rest of our 2010-2011 NCAA Basketball Season Previews here.

Minnesota Preview Picks, & Odds.

Minnesota 2009-2010 Record: 21-14 overall; 9-9 Big Ten (6th)

Minnesota Coach: Tubby Smith – At Minnesota: 63-39, 3 years; overall: 450-184, 19 years

Minnesota Players to Watch: Blake Hollarber is already All-League in the classroom but could join the club on the court as well.

Minnesota Key Losses: Lawrence Westbrook, G, 6-0, 193 (12.8 ppg, 2.6 rpg); Damian Johnson, F, 6-7, 205 (9.9 ppg, 4.3 rpg); Paul Carter, F, 6-8, 203 (6.3 ppg, 3.7 rpg); Devron Bostick, G, 6-5, 220 (3.3 ppg, 1.9 rpg)

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2010-2011 Minnesota Season Preview

Following a bit of a bumpy ride to an NCAA Tournament berth last season the Golden Gophers appear to have things smoothed out. Minnesota has moved on from last season’s off-court distractions, and coach Tubby Smith believes he has his experienced veterans and talented new~omers all on the same page. Despite having to replace some cogs that lent not only scoring but also leadership, the Gophers could be in position to join the company of the Big Ten’s elite.

Minnesota Backcourt

Blake Hoffarber might shoulder the biggest load of any of Minnesota’s starters. The Gophers need the senior to take the lead among point-producers to mitigate the loss of Lawrence Westbrook, whose departure figures to be particularly difficult to overcome. Al Nolen will again assume a key starting role. after missing the second half of last season with academic issues. Nolen should be among Minnesota’s double-digit scorers and will, along with Hoffarber and veteran point guard Devoe Joseph, have a defined role in shaping a well-rounded backcourt. All three also will playa part in the development of freshman Austin Hollins. Hollins, the son of Memphis Grizzles coach Lionel Hollins, might be the best-prepared newcomer on the team. He gives the Gophers another long-range scoring threat and brings a high level of basketball smarts that could make him an immediate contributor.

Minnesota Frontcourt

After two years of development, Ralph Sampson III and Colton Iverson appear ready to provide the 1-2 post punch Smith envisioned when he recruited them. Smith now has the option of pairing the bigs together down low, creating an impressive and intimidating shot-blocking tandem that also could help heal Minnesota’s rebounding ills. The Gophers were plus-1.7 in rebounding margin, but Smith says his players -like his Kentucky squads in the past – need to separate themselves on the boards. Sampson and Iverson will playa key role in making that happen. Rodney Williams will fill a key defensive void left by Paul Carter, who transferred after last season. If he can mature and remain focused Williams can defend opposing wing players ‘while contributing offensively in a way that could help propel Minnesota to another level Minnesota’s depth in the post will give freshmen Maurice Walker, Elliott Eliason and Oto Osenieks time to develop. All three bring talented skill sets to the frontcourt, but will need time to grow into Big Ten contributors.

2010-2011 Minnesota Predictions

With the exception of a few seniors, Smith has almost completely put his footprint on Minnesota’s program. After two years of living on the bubble come tournament time, the Gophers should take that next step. The key will be for all the individual pieces to meet their potential If that happens – especially in the frontcourt – the Gophers’ transformation under Smith could finally take shape. Minnesota Finish in the Big Ten: 5th

Minnesota Betting Odds

Minnesota Odds to Win 2010-2011 Mens NCAA Basketball Tournament: +5000
Minnesota Odds to Win the Big Ten: +1200

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Minnesota Basketball Handicapping Picks

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