Non-Conference Review: Gophers Sharing the Rock

The non-conference schedule for big-10 teams features a lot of high-risk/low-reward games, where wins are a must and losses can be devastating. The Gophers handled their business this time around, winning 11 games and only losing to #8 Louisville and #17 St. Johns. Outside of those two games, Richard Pitino’s team has been fun to watch.

They’re currently ranked #1 in the country in assists with an eye-opening 19.8 per game. Point guards Deandre Mathieu and Nate Mason are both top-28 in the country in the all-important assist-turnover ratio statistic.

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Senior star Andre Hollins leads the team in points per game with 14.1, but it’s been a balanced effort. Carlos Morris, Mo Walker and Nate Mason also average over 10 per game. Points have not been hard to come by for the Gophers. They average over 80 a game and have eclipsed the century mark twice thus far. Of course that will change during the big-1o season, but it is definitely a positive sign to see the offense running smoothly. They play fast and press well, making getting up the court a tough task for the opposition.

“It’s our second year, I think guys understand our offense better, it’s clicking pretty good right now,” Coach Pitino said. “Certainly we have to do it in Big Ten play as well, but it’s fun to watch. We are sharing the ball at a rate that we’ve not done since I’ve ever been a coach. It certainly starts with DeAndre. I think our wings and bigs are starting to understand that if they run, DeAndre’s going to get it to them.”

We agree coach. Especially at Williams Arena, where the Gophers have the 2nd longest non-conference home winning-streak in the entire country behind Duke.

Carlos Morris will get his first taste of Big-10 play on Wednesday, as he played junior college ball last season. He spoke with the media about that and his improved play over the non-conference schedule.

“Entering conference play is going to be tough,” he said. “Everybody scouts. Everybody is going to know what your weakness is. So you just have to be ready to play. I’m definitely excited. … I was rushing shots and didn’t know what shot to shoot earlier this season. Now I feel like I can get in my groove, take better shots and know when to shoot the ball. I definitely feel comfortable.”

With most good teams, you’ll find solid guard play and stability in the post. Big Mo Walker has given the Gophers what they need and more down low. He’s playing fast and finishing at the basket. A couple of weeks back, Walker was awarded big-10 player of the week honors. He’s averaging team highs in rebounds (5.5) and field goal percentage (.644).

They’ll need the great play to continue from the fore-mentioned players, as conference season kicks off Wednesday at Purdue. Once again, the big-10 is loaded with great competition, especially at the top. There will be ups and downs, but things seem to be looking good for Richard Pitino in is first shot at major conference basketball.

Dec 22, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers forward Maurice Walker (15) reacts to a foul call during the second half against the Furman Paladins at Williams Arena. Minnesota defeated Furman 86-76. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports