Talent has been upgraded in Ben Johnson's second year as Gophers men's basketball coach. But overcoming injuries and youth will determine how much improvement will be seen on the court.
Few expected a 10-1 start with a roster filled with newcomers last season, so there wasn't much shock when the U finished 13-17, 4-14 in the Big Ten for last place.
Projections have the Gophers as high as 12th in the Big Ten this season. If they're to surpass those expectations top returning player Jamison Battle (foot) will need to get healthy. And top newcomer Dawson Garcia having a big year could be another major boost.
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More From Star Tribune
More From Sports
Star Tribune, NSPN.tv offer free football on Friday
Livestream of Star Tribune's Game of the Week: Orono vs. Delano
Lynx
Lynx, sitting Collier and McBride, lose to Sparks to close regular season
Napheesa Collier and Kayla McBride did not play, and other Lynx starters saw their minutes limited as they look ahead to a matchup with the Mercury in the first round of the playoffs.
Twins
Twins held to three hits, lose 3-2 to Guardians in extra innings
The Twins lost three of the four games in the series in Cleveland, but still hold the last wild-card spot.
Twins
Reusse: Current Twins give us flashbacks to Jamie Quirk, Ron Davis and the collapse of 1984
What looked like a playoff berth this season has turned into an agonizing ordeal.
Wild
Wild hit the ice with Kaprizov, Zuccarello reunited
Hockey boss Bill Guerin wants the team to show strong intensity from Day 1 with a long season ahead.