Goodbye Paul Carter
by PJS on Apr 7, 2010 7:06 PM CDT
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PrintMinnesota junior Paul Carter, thought of as a likely starter heading into the 2010-11 season, is leaving the University according to news reports today. Carter intends to move closer to his younger sister who is battling cancer. No one can fault Carter for wanting to be near his ailing sister. In fact, we should applaud Carter putting family first, even if it deprives us of seeing him play.
That said, this news means the Gophers have just lost their starting small forward, a blossoming offensive player and a long, shot-blocking defensive presence. Personally, Carter has been one of my favorite Gophers of the Tubby Smith era, and I was very much looking forward to seeing him start.
This news also puts a new twist on Tubby Smith's recruiting efforts. Now the Gophers need 1) point guard 2) a power forward of any sort, just one power forward on the roster, please and 3) a small forward that can provide the athleticism Blake Hoffarber doesn't.
We'll have more on this soon, but for now, what do you think of the Carter news? What did you like most about Carter? How much will this hurt the Gophers?
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Saddened for basketball, wish Paul and his sister the best...
The team really began to come together when the team shaved their heads in support of his sister. I thought from a leadership perspective Paul and Blake would provide what DJ and Westbrook couldn’t provide this season. I thought Paul would slide right into DJ’s role thought maybe not as much defensively.
If we don’t get a slashing SF, it will hold us back – probably to another first round exit. We’ll have shooting with Devoe and Hoff, and we’ll have the inside-outside post play of RSIII and Iverson (and maybe Mbakwe), but having someone that can penetrate is critical to help open up outside shots and have some good pick and roll chances with the post players. We can go small to a 3 guard lineup but it won’t be successful in the long run. Rodney Williams becomes the X-Factor in the offseason – he needs to step up and become a factor (even for 18-22 minutes per game) rather than disappearing against real teams.
I agree and disagree
I agree that they really need Rodney WIlliams to step up next year. He has the length that Carter and DJ had, but more athleticism and overall offensive potential and his maturity would be a great lift to this team.
I disagree though without a slashing forward this team can still improve if we can get an adequate to good power forward on the roster. I think Ralph and Colton can play together, but i think the team will be better if they don’t. Neither is really athletic (ralph moreso than colton), neither is an especially gifted rebounder, both can defend big men, just not quick and strong bigmen (Coble, Johnson, Green, Leuer, Davis, et al.). I feel like PF is still the biggest hole on the roster and i like that TUbby is going after multiple PF recruits.
most predict that
Maurice Walker (if my memory serves me) who I believe is the 6’10 270 C is likely to become a commit shortly. The man is a beast in the center and can guard anyone of strength. Tubby may play RSIII a little more at PF this next year out of need. There is also a three star SF from london that is a potential recruit as well.
We already had one spot open for C. Joseph, they white left and carter transferred so that would fill us up. (assuming and hoping we get cory)
A Darko Fan since 2010!
by TheEvilProfessor on Apr 8, 2010 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions
Don't be surprised if Royce White
makes a return. No inside info, but it just become tougher for Tubby to say no if Royce asks for another shot.
true
I assume that if Tubby signs another center that Elison will definitely redshirt a year (seems like the type) and if White comes back then they don’t sign that english SF. Unless anyone thinks Nolen won’t get himself elibible again.
A Darko Fan since 2010!
by TheEvilProfessor on Apr 8, 2010 1:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Royce will come back. I think…
Ski-U-Mah!
by CrazyCollegian on Apr 8, 2010 5:42 PM CDT up reply actions
What's the status with Mbwake?
Where does he fit in the Gopher’s plans, if his legal problems get resolved?
as the starting PF
We also had a redshirt walkon PF on the roster last year. Dominique Dawson I believe. Pretty sure his case is going to get dropped (mbakwe). It just smells fishy for some reason. Kind of an accusations fly, police get involved and they everyone involved is suddenly very hard to get ahold of thing.
A Darko Fan since 2010!
by TheEvilProfessor on Apr 8, 2010 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions
Just saw his trial date is set for early June
Hopefully this gets resolved at that time, so there is some certainty on what the team has going into next season.
Tough for the Gophers, but a good move on his part
Definitely hard on you guys as a team. But it’s good to see the kid has his priorities in life straight.
It’s commendable to see a kid who’s only like 19 to 21 years old make a decision like this.
I hope everything goes well for you guys up there in Gopherland. :)
Envy our past, fear our future. Embrace the hate. - UK Basketball
I do not like the thought
of the Gophers playing with 3 guards on the court. Hoff cannot play the 3 spot for us to be successful imo. The loss of Carter increases that likelihood.
I dont' think it changes anything
first of all we kind of run a three guard offense which is very common. Hoff isn’t quick enough to defend other SF’s but he is also pretty savvy defensively and has never been a liability.
Secondly, I really hope we see Rodney Williams take some steps and grow into that third guard for us. He has SG skills, a SF body and athleticism to defend anybody.
Kudos to PC for making a decision like this. We’d love to have him back but who can blame the kid.
what you say here can, and will, be used against you The Daily Gopher
by GopherNation on Apr 9, 2010 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions
GN
a Nolan/Joseph/Hoff 3 guard offense will only work if we find a PF that we haven’t seen yet. IMO, next year hinges on the development of RW over the offseason. The talent and potential is obvious, now can it be realized??
right PF is the area of weakness
Mbakwe and/or White need to be the guys here. PC would be nice to have but the suspended wonder duo are potentially difference makers with or without PC. If all three are not playing next year Sampson and Iverson better be ready for about 39 min per game.
what you say here can, and will, be used against you The Daily Gopher
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