Minnesota Basketball: 2020-21 season preview for the Golden Gophers
By Jason Belt
Starting Lineup
Point Guard – JR Marcus Carr
Minnesota fans let out a huge sigh of relief when they heard the news that Marcus Carr withdrew his name from the NBA Draft list and was returning to Minneapolis for his junior season.
The All-Big Ten third team member averaged 15.4 points and 6.5 assists while grabbing over 5 rebounds as the starting point guard last season.
Carr will continue holding down the point guard spot and facilitating for his teammates, which was something he did last year at a very high clip, ranking in the top 10 in assists in the country.
His durability will also be key for Minnesota with the inexperience behind him at the guard spot, so look for Carr to average close to 38 minutes a game again this season.
Carr has a lot on his shoulders this season and will be looked at as the guy to lead his team in the very tough Big Ten.
Shooting Guard – JR Both Gach
As I mentioned earlier, Both Gach will be a difference-maker for the Golden Gophers.
The junior averaged 10.7 points and nearly three assists per game last season at Utah while playing multiple positions.
Along with being a knockdown shooter, Gach can handle the ball well and will probably see plenty of time floating between the point and shooting guard spots this season.
His length is also a plus, as his 6’6 frame allows him to be able to even slide down to the 3 if needed, giving Richard Pitino many options when it comes to positioning.
I’d look for Gach to be a breakout candidate in the Big Ten and possibly even the country this season.
Small Forward – JR Gabe Kalscheur
Gabe Kalscheur is someone who has been very steady during his career at Minnesota.
The versatile junior has averaged over 10 points in each of his first two seasons in Minneapolis and will be looked at as a guy that should take a leap in the 2020-21 season.
As a career 37% three-point shooter, Kalscheur saw his attempts in that category increase from 5.2 to 7.2 from his freshman to sophomore season, and don’t be surprised if that number goes even higher.
The ability for Carr and Gach to have a knockdown three-point specialist on the floor with them is critical for their spacing and overall success this season.
Kalscheur has had a successful start to his Golden Gopher career and should continue his high shooting rate in this shortened season.
Power Forward – SR Brandon Johnson
Another key transfer landed in Minnesota this offseason, this time in the form of Brandon Johnson.
The former three-year starter at Western Michigan will finish his career in Minneapolis after averaging 15.4 points and just over 8 rebounds per contest last season for the Broncos.
His ability to stretch the floor and knock down threes, which he did at 33% in the 2019-20 season, is very promising for the Golden Gophers.
Richard Pitino will love the versatility that Johnson will bring on both ends, and the 6’8, 200-pound forward should be able to slide down to the 5 if need be.
A key piece to Minnesota’s 2020-21 puzzle.
Center – JR Liam Robbins
Liam Robbins was a huge pickup for Minnesota this offseason.
Literally.
The 7-foot tall transfer from Drake will provide immediate help in the frontcourt with his ability to score (14.1 ppg in 2019-20) and glass clean (7.1 rpg in 2019-20).
As well as rebound, Robbins can protect the rim with the best of them, averaging nearly 3 blocks per contest last season, landing him on the Missouri Valley Conference All-Defense team.
Minnesota’s frontcourt depth has been questionable in the past, but with the addition of Johnson and Robbins, look for improvement in the post-Oturu era.