Smith's presence has Gophers excited again
It still baffles Lawrence McKenzie that Tubby Smith is his coach.
Not that the Minnesota senior guard is complaining. But McKenzie, like most rational people who follow college basketball, couldn't understand the inferno that engulfed Smith at Kentucky.
"They did well every year, they were in the (NCAA) Tournament, they were going to the Elite Eight," McKenzie said. "I guess once you get it all, they want you to get it all every year. That's kind of impossible.
"I still don't understand what the people down there were thinking, but I'm excited."
The excitement in Minneapolis has reached a level not seen since the Gophers' scandal-scarred Final Four run in 1997. After a 9-22 clunker, Minnesota scored the coaching coup of the off-season by landing Smith.
The three-time national coach of the year wowed his new players by showing them his 1998 national championship ring on the first day of practice.
"Who doesn't want that?" McKenzie said. "He wants to come in and win. There's no program that he came the first year and was like, 'Well, let's just wait around.' He's taken teams to the (NCAA) Tournament, teams that weren't supposed to go."
Smith won a championship in his first season at Kentucky and took Georgia to the Sweet Sixteen in his first go-round there. But fast tracking the Gophers to the bracket won't be easy.
Four starters are back, but Minnesota ranked 10th in the league in both scoring offense (60.6 ppg) and scoring defense (66.2 ppg) last season. The Gophers were last in shooting (43.1 percent) and 10th in rebounding margin (minus-4.1).
"We've got to get back upon our feet," Smith said. "I'm putting a lot of responsibility on our veteran players, our returning players.
"Now's an opportunity. If you guys want to do this, follow me."
Smith lists ballhandling, rebounding and defensive intensity as his top three priorities, though he thinks the additions of freshmen guards Blake Hoffarber and Al Nolen will help limit turnovers. Hoffarber, named Mr. Basketball in Minnesota last year, could be the point guard the Gophers sorely need.
Players expect to use a more up-tempo style at both ends of the court.
"In your face on defense, score on offense, push the ball," said McKenzie, who led Minnesota in scoring (14.9 ppg) last season. "The Big Ten has never really been like that. The Big Ten's more walk the ball up, but we're pushing the ball, and after we score we're going to pressure full court."
McKenzie shares the captainship with fellow seniors Spencer Tollackson and Dan Coleman, who combined to average 26.2 points and 11.3 rebounds last year. Hopes are high for guard Jamal Abu-Shamala and forward Brandon Smith, who need to provide depth behind the big three.
"You can't rest on past laurels," Smith said. "Every team presents a unique challenge, so you've got to be willing to adapt."
Minnesota at a glance
Coach: Tubby Smith (first season at Minnesota, 387-145, 17th season overall).
2006-07 record: 9-22 (3-13 Big Ten, ninth)
Starters returning/lost: 4/1
Projected starters
F Brandon Smith 6-6 220 Jr. Brings versatility on defense and can rebound effectively if given the chance.
F Dan Coleman* 6-9 225 Sr. Could form a top front line with Tollackson after ranking 10th in the league in points and rebounds.
F Spencer Tollackson* 6-9 260 Sr. Declared for NBA draft after scoring in double figures 14 times last season.
G Lawrence McKenzie* 6-2 180 Sr. Natural scorer played point guard out of necessity last year; could be freed up this season.
G Jamal Abu-Shamala* 6-5 200 Jr. Scrappy former walk-on is already a Tubby Smith favorite.
*Returning starter
Toughest nonconference games: Nov. 20: at Iowa State; Nov. 27 at Florida State; Dec. 30 at UNLV
Big Ten single games: vs. Iowa; at Purdue