Predicted finish: 7th
Last year’s record: 23-8, 11-5 B1G
Key returners:
G- Kenisha Bell 5’9 RS Sr.18.1 PPG, 40% FG, 34.2 MPG
G- Destiny Pitts, 5’9 So. 13.3 PPG, 37.3% 3FG
Newcomers:
G- Mercedes Staples 5’10 (Centerville, Utah) Fr, (no. 64 on ESPN Hoopgurlz)
F-Barbora Tomancova 6’2 (Brno, Czech Republic), Fr.
F- Delanie Byrne 6’2 (Arvada, Colorado) Fr.
Key non-conference games:
11/29: Syracuse
12/9: Boston College
Head Coach: Lindsay Whalen-1st season:
Going to guess you guys know who Lindsay Whalen is.The now-former Minnesota Lynx guard has returned to her alma mater as head coach. She hopes to deliver the same type of success she garnered while with the Lynx. Whalen comes to the Gophers with a highly impressive WNBA resume: 5x WNBA All-star, 4x champion, a 2x All-WNBA second team, and WNBA playoffs all-time assist leader. Transitioning from the pros straight to coaching is always an interesting thing to do, but Whalen will make sure her team has it together and the state of Minnesota will rally around her during this process.
Outlook:
Minnesota will have their work cut out for them with the added attention of Whalen, but Kenisha Bell is a stud and will have this team together. The team will also have newcomers Mercedes Staples, who is no. 64 on ESPN’s Hoopgurlz incoming freshmen, and two 6’2 forwards in Barbara Tomancova and Delanie Byrne.
Because of Whalen, look for this team be a more defensive-minded team, as steals and blocks will play a huge factor in determining their identity. The Gophers came in first in rebounding at 42 per game, so they will look to build on that even more. This will be an exciting season for Whalen and Minnesota, and you bet against Lindsay Whalen at your peril.
Best case scenario: Minnesota thrives off the defensive improvement and gives opponents fits.
Worst case scenario: Minnesota only thrives on offense and struggles to put away opponents.