Sid questioned the transfers the team landed in the past few days. Richard: “We added two good pieces that will sit out that we’re excited about. Anytime you get a couple guys that have already contributed in big-time conferences, you find a way to not get young. After Dupree McBrayer and Jordan Murphy leave, we need to make sure we don’t get young. Marcus (Carr) played minutes in the ACC as well as Payton (Willis) in the SEC. Brock (Stull) is a versatile player we’re excited about.”
The team will try to put the waiver in for Marcus Carr to play this year, however they are unsure if it will get accepted.
Pitino talked about how important it is for the team to recruit in-state players, especially as there are a lot of offers out to post players for the next few years.
Last year’s team had a few injuries that hurt the team as the season went on. This spring, Amir Coffey, Eric Curry, and Dupree McBrayer did not practice but coach thinks they will be able to go for the summer.
A second ballhandler besides Isaiah Washington has been a big question going into next season. Richard believes that Dupree, Amir, and Brock Stull can all move over and become a 2nd ballhandler besides Isaiah.
In regard to Ben Johnson and Kimani Young leaving, Coach looks at it as a positive to sometimes get some new staff in the program. Young got the chance to go closer to home, and Johnson was offered a substantial raise at Xavier. “We added two really quality coaches. Our staff is in a terrific spot. Sometimes it’s good to get fresh and new ideas.” Side note that Richard was extremely complimentary of Kimani Young and Ben Johnson.
Minnesota plays Oklahoma State at U.S. Bank Stadium in December as a trial run for the Final Four. From a tournament resume perspective, the game will be registered as a neutral site game, so the team will not lose an extra home game at Williams Arena.
The team will try to put the waiver in for Marcus Carr to play this year, however they are unsure if it will get accepted.
Pitino talked about how important it is for the team to recruit in-state players, especially as there are a lot of offers out to post players for the next few years.
Last year’s team had a few injuries that hurt the team as the season went on. This spring, Amir Coffey, Eric Curry, and Dupree McBrayer did not practice but coach thinks they will be able to go for the summer.
A second ballhandler besides Isaiah Washington has been a big question going into next season. Richard believes that Dupree, Amir, and Brock Stull can all move over and become a 2nd ballhandler besides Isaiah.
In regard to Ben Johnson and Kimani Young leaving, Coach looks at it as a positive to sometimes get some new staff in the program. Young got the chance to go closer to home, and Johnson was offered a substantial raise at Xavier. “We added two really quality coaches. Our staff is in a terrific spot. Sometimes it’s good to get fresh and new ideas.” Side note that Richard was extremely complimentary of Kimani Young and Ben Johnson.
Minnesota plays Oklahoma State at U.S. Bank Stadium in December as a trial run for the Final Four. From a tournament resume perspective, the game will be registered as a neutral site game, so the team will not lose an extra home game at Williams Arena.
