Minnesota Basketball: Reggie Lynch cleared to return to Gophers

Richard Pitino and Minnesota basketball are getting back an important piece to their front court.

Center Reggie Lynch hasn’t played in a live basketball game since March of 2015, when his Illinois State Redbirds failed to defeat Old Dominion in the second round of the NIT.

Lynch transferred to Minnesota following that season and had to sit out a year due to the NCAA transfer rules.

While he eligible in 2016-17, Lynch’s status was put on hold because of a team suspension.

But on Thursday, the 6’9″ center from Edina, MN was officially reinstated by the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Lynch will be in the lineup to start off the year in mid-November despite missed time and a February rotator cuff procedure.

The center was originally suspended by head coach Richard Pitino back in May. He was arrested on suspicion of criminal sexual assault and was under investigation. In August, the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office announced it would not be filling charges against the junior. That didn’t immediately impact Lynch’s status, as Minnesota kept him off the roster while they conducted their own investigation into the arrest.

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In two years with the Redbirds, Lynch was a solid role player. During his freshman season, he averaged 8.3 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.8 blocks in 20.3 minutes per game.

In year two, Lynch was even better. He put up 9.5 points, 5.4 boards and 2.8 blocks in 22.2 minutes per game. His efficiency went down from his first to second year (58 percent down to 51 percent), but his free throw percentage increased and his defense remained top notch.

Lynch doesn’t have any range to space the floor on offense, however, he will be a valuable contributor for Minnesota on the glass and in the paint.

Even though the Golden Gophers aren’t going to be an NCAA Tournament caliber team, they should finish much higher in the Big Ten standings (13th out of 14) with Lynch in the fold. In fact, Pitino’s squad could surprise a lot of people.

Lynch’s reinstatement gives the Golden Gophers a legitimate starting center, who will likely pair next to either returnee Jordan Murphy or Texas A&M transfer Davonte Fitzgerald. Minnesota also has three-star power forward Eric Curry, and juniors Gaston Diedhiou and Bakary Konaté for depth purposes.

Minnesota’s roster is much more talented and skilled in 2016-17. In addition to the front court, ESPN top 100 small forward Amir Coffey, last year’s leading scorer Nate Mason, Dupree McBrayer and Milwaukee graduate transfer Akeem Springs also fill out the rest of the rotation.

Next: Syracuse's projected rotation

Lynch won’t be the top player for Pitino and company, however, his ability to protect the basket and score around the rim will make the Golden Gophers that much more competitive in the Big Ten in 2016-17.

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