Basketball Nugz: September Edition

We’re drawing nearer to the start of the 2020-21 season, folks. Against all odds, it looks like the season may start with minimal disruptions. Of course, talk of bubbles and rejiggered early-season tournaments are still being ironed out, but at the very least we’re tracking towards real games happening. We’ll see!

Meanwhile, the Gophers continue to get great news (not sure I’ve ever typed that, honestly). Marcus Carr is back, and highly sought-after transfer Liam Robbins, who is expected to be an impact player for Minnesota, had his waiver approved and can join the team immediately. Now we just need the Both Gach waiver to come through as well.

Start date determined
The NCAA approved moving the start date of the 2020-21 season to Nov. 25. No exhibition games or closed scrimmages will be allowed before that date.

Hall of Fame Tip-Off date uncertain
The Gophers were scheduled to take part in the Hall of Fame Tip-Off in November, along with UCF, Marquette and Rhode Island. Now it sounds like organizers are looking at hosting multiple tournaments in a bubble in late November and early December.

Big Ten/ACC Challenge details still murky
Per Andy Katz, the Big Ten/ACC Challenge is looking like it will move to December 8-9 at TBD sites. Minnesota’s opponent is still TBD.

The Athletic’s Minnesota basketball preview
The Athletic posted a nice, in-depth preview of the 2020-21 Gophers. Dare I say it’s optimistic?

Gach is a very “intriguing player”
Both Gach was listed as the 23rd most intriguing player of the 2020-21 season as part of The Athletic’s list. “The curiosity would be how much Gach’s athleticism adds to [his ‘glue-guy’ feel” to make him a sort of uber-glue guy, or better.”

Rothstein’s power rankings are dumb
Jon Rothstein’s power rankings have the Gophers at #12 (and this is AFTER the Liam Robbins transfer waiver went through). Get a clue, Jon!