Busting Brackets
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Big Ten Basketball: Analyzing each team’s overall offense for 2020-21 season

By Trevor Sinodhinos

ANN ARBOR, MI - FEBRUARY 08: Isaiah Livers #2 of the Michigan Wolverines in action in the first half of the game against the Michigan State Spartans at Crisler Arena on February 8, 2020 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - FEBRUARY 08: Isaiah Livers #2 of the Michigan Wolverines in action in the first half of the game against the Michigan State Spartans at Crisler Arena on February 8, 2020 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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CHAMPAIGN, IL – JANUARY 30: Marcus Carr #5 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL – JANUARY 30: Marcus Carr #5 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Minnesota Golden Gophers

2019-20: 68.9 ppg in ACC play

Last season Richard Pitino and Minnesota Basketball had the sixth highest-scoring offense in the ACC. Last season, they also had David Oturu. The NBA-bound 6’10 center not only averaged 20 points per game but demanded so much attention from the defense, that scoring was a lot easier for his teammates. Two teammates that benefited playing alongside Oturo, but will not be missing him are Alhan Demir (7.1 ppg) and Payton Willis (8.6 ppg). As Demir graduates and Willis transfers to College of Charleston, two additional starters are lost as well as 52 percent of their scoring.

Marcus Carr (15.4 ppg, 6.5 apg) will once again be running the offense as the point guard, although his 36 percent from beyond the arc was helped by the presence of Oturu. Carr will remain the ‘late in the shot-clock option’ as he will receive a hand-off/screen from whoever may have the ball, as the screener reads opposite, leaving it up to Carr to read and react to the defense.

Coach Pitino used two variations of the double post offense last season, which will look much different without Oturu. Freshman Martice Mitchell should get the first crack at being the starting center along with Western Michigan transfer 6’8 Brandon Johnson at power forward. Mitchell and Brandon are both more accustomed to finishing at the rim, but if they are to set in the double-high post and swing to Gabe Kalscheur in the corner, Johnson will have to flash strong elbow as Mitchell slides to the block.

On the other high post set, the ball would go into Oturu as Demir would set the backscreen for Carr while Willis would cut baseline to the weak corner. They can still run that, it will just look a little different.

The loss of three starters has weakened their bench, but Isaiah Ihnen (3.4 ppg) is going to see his minutes and role increase substantially. At 6’9 Ihnen can play either forward position, and like  Williams has an opportunity to have a breakout season in the Big Ten. Redshirt senior Eric Curry will get time behind Johnson or start if he can hit an elbow jumper.

Jamal Mashburn Jr. may challenge for the starting shooting guard spot but would be better served continuing the high pace of play while giving Carr a breather. Maryland fans should be excited for 2021-22 season as well as Utah transfer Both Gach and 7’0 Drake transfer Liam Robbins will be eligible.

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