Minnesota 2009-2010 Basketball Betting Prediction, Odds, Lines,

With the College Basketball 2009-2010 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 2009-2010 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 2009 NCAA Basketball Season Previews here.

Minnesota 2008-2009 Record: 22-11, 9-9

Minnesota 2008-2009 Post Season: NCAA

Minnesota Coach: Tubby Smith (42-25 at Minnesota, 429-170 overall)

Minnesota Projected Starters:

• Al Nolen, Junior, Guard, 6.5 points per game
• Lawrence Westbrook, Senior, Guard, 12.6 points per game
• Damian Johnson, Senior, Forward, 9.8 points per game
• Colton Iverson, Sophomore, Forward, 5.4 points per game
• Ralph Sampson III, Sophomore, Center, 6.3 points per game

Minnesota Player to Watch: Lawrence Westbrook

Minnesota Key Losses: G Jamal Abu-Shamala, G Travis Busch

CLICK HERE FOR OUR TOP COLLEGE BASKETBALL HANDICAPPING PICKS!

2009-2010 Minnesota Season Preview

Putting together a team destined to win at least 20 games a year is nothing new for Tubby Smith.

After the Golden Gophers continued that trend and also returned to the NCAA Tournament, Smith’s transition of Minnesota’s program continued to take shape as the team posted 20 regular-season wins last season.

But it may have just been the beginning as Smith appears prepared to help the Gophers take the next step in what could be the most talented Big Ten of the past decade. With a roster full of experienced returners – including a pair of sophomores who played key roles as freshmen last season – the Gophers’ rise looks as though it will continue.

Smith, meanwhile, seems to have settled in nicely in Minneapolis, leading the Gophers’ ascension as a power in the Big Ten while Kentucky – Smith’s former school – has struggled since his departure.

Now with Minnesota rolling and Kentucky back on track in the Southeastern Conference, is it crazy to think of an NCAA Tournament date – perhaps a second-round meeting between the Gophers and Wildcats?

Minnesota Backcourt

As talented as the Gophers’ stable of guards is, they need more consistency.

Lawrence Westbrook returns as the Gophers’ leading scorer, but Smith hopes to get a full season out of the talented senior, who he elected to bench last year because of stretches of up-and-down play.

Blake Hoffarber remains Minnesota’s top outside shooting threat after hitting 41.3 percent of his shots as a sophomore.

Smith said he believes Al Nolen is ready to take the biggest jump, moving into more of a leadership role. Of the three returning guards, Nolen logged the most minutes per game a year ago and stabilized Minnesota’s starting backcourt.

He, along with senior Devron Bostick and sophomore Devoe Joseph, form a complete package backcourt that could boost Minnesota’s continued development in what should again be a balanced Big Ten race.

Minnesota Frontcourt

When Ralph Sampson III and Colton Iverson arrived in Minneapolis, Smith knew he had the makings of a solid 1-2 punch in the post. Now the pair enters its sophomore season expected to do more.

Expect Sampson and Iverson to play stronger as sophomores after having to fight their way through their first Big Ten campaign. Both have exhibited the ability to establish themselves as mid-range post players, but Smith would like to see each expand their games a bit, providing more of a well­balanced attack.

Damian Johnson adds to Minnesota’s list of potential double-digit scorers while also serving as the elder statesman for the Gophers in the post. Paul Carter will also be thrown into the frontcourt mix, giving Minnesota a nice blend of skill sets that could provide an attractive inside-out presence.

In addition to its experience coming back, freshmen forwards Royce White and Rodney Williams – two of Minnesota’s premier prep performers – will have the chance to contribute right away. White earned the state’s Mr. Basketball Award, joining Hoffarber as a past recipient of the honor.

2009-2010 Minnesota Predictions

With all Minnesota has back, Smith’s run of 16 consecutive 20-win seasons doesn’t appear to be in jeopardy.

And if the Gophers can establish the consistency Smith believes his team is capable of, Minnesota may find its way into the upper tier of the Big Ten.

After earning an NCAA Tournament bid and losing to Texas in the first round, the next step is logical: advance into the second round. That’s easier said than done, especially when just getting into the top half of the Big Ten will be a chore. Minnesota Finish in the Big Ten: 6th
Minnesota Projected Post-season Tournament: NCAA

Minnesota Betting Odds

Minnesota Odds to Win 2010 Mens NCAA Basketball Tournament: +7500
Minnesota Odds to Win the Big Ten: +1000

Will Minnesota be playing in March Madness this year? Or, will their season be lackluster? Either way, you can still enjoy Minnesota Basketball Betting at our feature sportsbooks. Minnesota & College Basketball Betting is serious business; where you can make a ton of loot placing informed, smart Minnesota bets. Check out these highly reliable, trustworthy, online sportsbooks.

Join BetEd.com Today and Bet on Minnesota and receive a 50% Sportsbook Bonus!

Minnesota Basketball Handicapping Picks

Check out our weekly Sports Handicapping Picks from the world’s best handicappers. Trust our handicapping experts offering premium and free NCAA Basketball Picks and packages daily. Also stay up to date with weekly College Basketball Matchups, and buy some picks to win some BIG cash this football season at our recommended sportsbooks.