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Rychart named player of the week but Gophers can't break into polls
John R. Carter
- Staff Reporter
Cheering at Williams Arena is usually reserved for basketball games, not practices.
Monday was an exception.
When Minnesota men's coach Dan Monson realized he forgot to mention Dusty Rychart was named Big Ten player of the week in the locker room meeting, he chose to do so right before the walk-through.
The announcement caused all the players and other coaches to start applauding Rychart's efforts.
The humbled Rychart, who scored 44 points and grabbed 21 rebounds in two games last week, was more pleased with the team's results.
"It is kind of cool," Rychart said. "The individual accomplishment is great, but we also got two wins out of it and that's all that really matters to me."
The two big wins last week over Purdue and Indiana increased the Gophers record to 15-3 (3-2 Big Ten), but they didn't help Minnesota finds its way into the rankings.
Although the Gophers were nominated for the top 25 in both the AP and coaches polls, they still sit in the section reserved for those "also receiving votes."
If the polls were to be extended to include 30 teams, Minnesota would be 29th in the AP and 28th in the coaches.
Monson said it doesn't matter to him if Minnesota isn't ranked. The coach is just happy his team is finally starting to get national recognition for their efforts.
After all, there are almost two months left in the season.
"Those are really nice, but it's the last one that really matters," Monson said. "I've seen a lot of teams be ranked in the top 25 in January that don't make the NCAA tournament. We have to worry about not being one of those."
While Monson might not care, his players have different ideas.
Senior forward John-Blair Bickerstaff feels Minnesota is worthy of being named among the 25 best teams in the country.
"I think we deserve it," Bickerstaff said. "I think we're better than some teams in there."
Head-to-head the Gophers have only beaten one top-25 team (No. 15 Wisconsin), but they'll get another chance on Wednesday when 21st-ranked Iowa comes to The Barn.
A win over the Hawkeyes will almost surely vault Minnesota into the polls -- and give Bickerstaff more of what he feels the Gophers need.
"From the beginning of the year it's been our war cry," he said. "It's just a matter of going out and getting respect."
Injury update
Monson broke out the NFL terminology on Monday to comment on the team's injuries.
Monson said guard Kevin Burleson (sprained ankle) is doubtful for the Iowa game, while another guard, Kerwin Fleming (sore knee) is probable.
Burleson was limping severely at practice on Monday -- and was reduced to a spectator.
Ticket info
Seats are still available for the Iowa game, but they are going fast. According to the ticket office, 500 tickets were sold yesterday, leaving just under 1,000 for sale.
$10 student seats can be purchased by calling 1-800-UGOPHER. Non-students can buy tickets for $25
John R. Carter covers men's basketball and welcomes comments at jcarter@daily.umn.edu.
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