Busting Brackets
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Big Ten Basketball: Breaking down the 2017-18 star on each team in the conference

By Lukas Harkins

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 15: Miles Bridges
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 15: Miles Bridges /
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WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 10: Nate Mason (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 10: Nate Mason (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Minnesota Golden Gophers – Nate Mason, Senior

Minnesota was a surprise team in the Big Ten last season, making the NCAA Tournament as a #5 seed. Heading into this season, the team returns a ton of talent, including potential All-Big Ten point guard Nate Mason. As a junior last season, Mason averaged 15.2 points and 5.0 assists per game.

Losing Akeem Springs (graduation) and Eric Curry (injury) heading into this season will be tough, but the Gophers have a lot to look forward to. With Mason running the show, Minnesota will be a preseason top-25 team and a Big Ten contender. Mason is one of the most effective floor generals in the conference and it certainly helps that he is joined by talented players Amir Coffey and Jordan Murphy.

For head coach Richard Pitino, this will be his best roster while at Minnesota and hopefully he can do some damage in conference play. The Golden Gophers were 11-7 in the Big Ten last season and Mason’s on the court leadership could help them achieve even more success this season. One of the top guards in the conference, Nate Mason could be an All-Big Ten selection this season.

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