Watch CBS News

Leaner, Quicker Gophers Try To Keep Up In Big Ten

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Minnesota has a new coach in Richard Pitino, a fresh outlook and a faster style.

Will it be enough for the Gophers to keep up in the tough, deep Big Ten? That's the biggest of many questions about this team, which must find a way to counteract the loss of standout post players Trevor Mbakwe and Rodney Williams. Most predictions have Minnesota finishing in the bottom third of the 12-team conference.

The backcourt should be strong, though, with senior Austin Hollins, junior Andre Hollins and transfer Malik Smith pushing the defensive pressure, running the fast break and shooting the 3-pointers.

The Gophers open the season on Nov. 8 against Lehigh and get an early test three weeks later with a game against Syracuse in the Maui Invitational.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.