Minnesota Basketball: 2021-22 season preview for Golden Gophers

Season outlook

It’s nice to go into a new season with high expectations and aspirations, but it may not be too early for Minnesota fans to temper that. This is going to be a transitional year.

There is very little carryover from the previous season, both among players and the coaching staff. While many of the players brought in are talented, it takes time for things to gel. At the moment, it feels like a bunch of good pieces that may or may not fit.

It is a promising sign that the program was able to bring in some high-level transfers, despite the overturning of the coaching staff. Perhaps it will  be enough to build off of in the future.

Ben Johnson also has the makings of a good hire. He knows the history of the program and where it can be. He knows how to recruit, as well. Hiring him instead of a flashier head coach in the mid-major ranks or a coach out of work is an acknowledgement that this build may take time, but can be done right.

As for this season … well, it could be rough sledding. The record might not look so bad thanks to a weak non-conference schedule. It wouldn’t be a surprise, however, to see Minnesota in the Big Ten basement.

The postseason should always be a goal and the NIT might be within reach. The focus of the season, however, should be developing the few young players on the roster and hitting the recruiting trail hard.