TheGoldSeat

With an RPI of 190, the University of Minnesota men’s basketball team narrowly missed out on making the field of 64 today.  Their outstanding record of 9-22 put them as the 9th seed in this weeks Big Ten conference tournament.  After their first round loss versus Michigan, Athletic Director Joel Maturi needs to do something to change the direction of a once proud, err, I mean middle of the pack program.

The first task on his list should be directed towards finding a new coach.  Whether he decides to stick with current coach Molenari or go in a different direction a decision needs to be made.  Currently the players have said that their choice to be head coach next season is Molenari.  This simply cannot happen in my opinion.  The Gophers need to build buzz around the program.

The easiest way to do that would be to get Flip Saunders or Bobby Knight to leave their respective teams to roam the sidelines at Williams Arena.  This will be difficult.  Maturi will need to back up the money truck to get Knight to leave the Texas Tech Raiders.  The problem with Flip lies in timing.  I believe that if offered the opportunity (and a large sum of money) that he would come back to Minneapolis to lead the Gophers.  The problem has to do with the NBA season.  Currently his Detroit Pistons squad is in line to make the playoffs.  We all know that this process can take FOREVER.  Maturi NEEDS to hire someone in the next month.  Waiting for Flip is a bold move and if he is in the end not interested, wating for him could jeopardize them from hiring another top coach.

So, who will the Gophers hire?  It’s anyone’s guess.  I believe that the Gophers will take a chance on another low to mid-major coach with a history of winning (a la Munson).  Will he be successful?  Who knows.  Let’s hope that the new coach can make changes, recruit in-state players and bring some pride back to the University of Minnesota.