Gophers Basketball Preseason Shakeup: Embracing Change and Opportunity

The University of Minnesota's men's basketball team is embarking on a new era, with head coach Ben Johnson opting for a unique preseason approach. Ditching the traditional one-game exhibition and closed-door scrimmage, Johnson has chosen to give his vastly remade roster two exhibition games in October, allowing the team to acclimate to the Williams Arena environment.

Unlocking the Potential of a Revamped Roster

Navigating the First-Half Hurdle

The Gophers' first exhibition game against Division II Bemidji State on Saturday proved to be a wake-up call. Struggling in the first half, the team found itself trailing 40-41 at the break, despite facing a squad that finished 13-16 last season and was picked to finish fifth in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. Coach Johnson acknowledged the challenges of the first half, stating, "The first half of every (exhibition), I don't care if I was player or you watch on TV, you just got to get through the first 20 minutes. It's a nightmare."However, the Gophers' resilience shone through in the second half, as their defense tightened, and they ran away with a 90-65 victory. Veteran returnees Dawson Garcia, Parker Fox, and Mike Mitchell played pivotal roles in the turnaround, with Mitchell leading the team in scoring and assists.

Embracing the Exhibition Opportunity

Johnson's decision to schedule two exhibition games was a strategic move to better prepare his team for the regular season. "That's the reason why I wanted to play two exhibition games, kind of get an actual game in us, with the crowd, with the refs and the other team," he explained. This approach allowed the Gophers to experience the game-day atmosphere and work through the initial jitters, setting the stage for a more polished performance in the regular season.

Injury Concerns and Roster Adjustments

The Gophers played without three guards – Lu'Cye Patterson, Femi Odukale, and Tyler Cochran – in the exhibition game. Patterson and Odukale are dealing with minor injuries, while Cochran is expected to be out until approximately December after undergoing surgery on his left foot. Coach Johnson opted to err on the side of caution, providing opportunities for other players to step up.

Emerging Talent and Roster Depth

The Gophers' first-half struggles highlighted the importance of roster depth and the emergence of new talent. Transfer guard Brennan Rigsby showcased his shooting prowess, going 3-for-6 from beyond the arc and demonstrating his versatility in scoring. True freshman Isaac Asuma also impressed, contributing 8 points and 8 assists in his collegiate debut, solidifying his potential as a rotation piece.Additionally, the 6-8 Canisius transfer Frank Mitchell, who has slimmed down to 265 pounds, displayed his ability to contribute in the paint, grabbing 7 rebounds in 17 minutes. Redshirt sophomore Kadyn Betts also made his presence felt, with a highlight-reel dunk and a strong finish through contact, showcasing his growth and potential.

Preparing for the Regular Season

The Gophers will have one more exhibition game against Division III Hamline on October 29 before the regular season begins at home against Oral Roberts on November 6. This additional tune-up will further allow the team to gel and fine-tune their performance, as they look to build on the lessons learned from the Bemidji State game.As the Gophers embark on this new chapter, the preseason shakeup has presented an opportunity for the team to embrace change, develop chemistry, and uncover the depth and talent that could propel them to success in the upcoming season.