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2012-13 College Basketball Preview: Minnesota Golden Gophers
- Updated: October 13, 2012
6. Minnesota Golden Gophers
WHY THEY’RE SCARY: Minnesota is loaded with talent, especially up front. 6-8 forward Trevor Mbakwe received a rare sixth year of eligibility after missing most of last season with an ACL injury, and if he’s healthy, he should be one of the most powerful big men in the Big Ten. Fellow senior Rodney Williams (6-7, 200) is the team’s top returning scorer at 12.2 points per game. The Gophers aren’t bad in the backcourt either, with point guards Austin Hollins (9.2 ppg) and Julian Welch (9.5 ppg) manning the backcourt. Andre Hollins (no relation) played a ton of minutes as a freshman and could play a key role this season.
WHAT SCARES US: Injuries killed the Gophers last season, but Minnesota still reached the NIT final without some of its key players. Now, the returnees must re-assimilate into their roles. Losing Ralph Sampson III doesn’t help, and the road will be tough in the arduous Big Ten.
FINAL DESTINATION: This is an NCAA Tournament team. It’s probably a Top 25 team, although we had Colorado and Tennessee ranked just ahead of the Gophers. If Mbakwe can stay out of the trainers’ room and the youngsters continue to grow, Minnesota could make a surprise run at the Sweet 16.
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