2009-2010 Minnesota Predictions
2008-09 Record: (31-7, 15-3 Big 10)
Coach: Tubby Smith (3rd year, 42-25 at Minnesota)
Assistants: Ron Jirsa, Saul Smith, Vince Taylor
Ret. Starters/Lost: 4/1

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Overview: Tubby Smith continues to work wonders in Minnesota after winning 22 games last year, though the conference record was just 9-9. With four starters returning, the Gophers have to continue to improve and that’s becoming a better three-point shooting team, as they finished last in the conference in 3-point shooting percentage. The Gophers will go as far as 6-0 shooting guard Lawrence Westbrook (12.6ppg) takes them. He can get hot and carry the team or shoot them out of the game. Junior Al Nolen (6-3) runs the points and manages the offense well with 4.3 assists per game, but he shot just 33.7 percent from the field and 29.4 percent from beyond the arc. In the frontcourt, senior Damian Johnson (9.8pp, 4.2rpg, 58 steals, 60 blocks) provides defense, boards and scoring. He can play small or big fowrard. Minnesota is tough to score on in the paint as they return twin towers 6-11 sophomore Ralph Sampson III (6.3ppg, 6.2rpg, 50 blocks) and 6-10 sophomore Colton Iverson (6.3ppg, 4.2rpg). Freshman Royce White (6-8, 240) is going to push for playing time right away and is one of the top recruits to come to Minnesota in a long time. Smith can also use a strong season off the bench from junior Blake Hoffarber (6.4ppg), who shot just 34% from three-point range, after shooting 42% as a freshman.

Outlook: Another physical Big 10 team that defends the paint and the perimeter. That’s how you win in this league, but to get to the next level, they will need shooters like Westbrook and Hoffarber to become more consistent.

This Big Ten conference prediction is courtesy of the ATS Sports Blog. If you are looking for winning college basketball betting picks be sure to choose ATS Consultants this year, A featured sports handicapping service on Touthouse.com

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