Here's my 5 things to watch for as the Gophers take the court against an opponent for the first time in the Richard Pitino era Friday night night:
Can the Gophers turn someone else over? – From what what we witnessed in the Gophers open scrimmage, they will indeed play an attacking full-court press defense. The defense has forced turnovers throughout the fall, but it’s been the Gophers other players that have turned it over. Can the Gophers turn over an opposing squad? Can they handle the ball themselves?
Is Deandre Mathieu the real deal?- The junior college point guard looked electric in the Gophers open scrimmage, but it’s going to take a few performances like that to secure his place as one of Minnesota’s top players. Performing well Friday night would be a good start.
Pitino’s coaching style- Is he going to sit on the bench below the floor (not likely) or patrol from the sidelines? How vocal will he be in-game with his players? This is everyone’s first chance to see Pitino in live action, coaching against a real team.
How competitive is Cardinal-Stritch?- I’m not going to lie, the person sitting to your right (if there isn’t one, pretend there is) might have more knowledge of Cardinal-Stritch University than I do. But the Wolverines from Milwaukee, Wis. are the defending NAIA Division 2 National Champions (Duh!). Can the Wolverines provide enough of a test to give us a half-decent gauge of the 2013-14 Gophers?
Who starts? Who plays ample minutes?- My guess is the starting 5 goes as follows: Mathieu, Hollins x2, King and Eliason. Odds of that happening? Who knows. Pitino said who starts in this game may be no indication as to who will start as the season progresses, but it gives viewers a starting point.
Pitino did say this about his backcourt situation: "I think if your last name is Hollins, you're probably going to be playing."
