Gophers Punish High Point Panthers, Finish Non-Conference 12-0

The Gophers were able to focus on the task at hand and soundly beat High Point 82-56. Here's a look at the good and bad things to come out of tonight's game as well as the big question that remains unanswered.

The GOOD:

1. Team Play
With Wednesday's Michigan State match-up looming large, the Gophers put forth an impressive team effort tonight. Five Gophers finished the game with double figure scoring as RSIII led the way with 17 points. Just about everyone played well tonight and the Gophers seem to be peaking just in time for the start of the Big Ten season.

2. Devron Bostick Sighting
You can question his defensive effort, but you cannot deny his ability to put the ball in the hoop, especially from beyond the arc. He hit 3 long balls and finished the game with 11 points. This just gives Big Ten opponents another weapon to game plan for.

3. Joseph a Stud in the Making
It's easy to imagine Joseph becoming a star for the Gophers. He's got a excellent shot creating and play making ability and the way he pushes the ball up the floor makes any basketball purist drool. He had 11 points, 2 assists, and 2 steals tonight.

4. The Starting Five
It looks like Tubby has settled on a starting line-up of Nolen, Westbrook, DJ, RSIII, and Colt 45. If these five can gel by the time the postseason rolls around, they could be scary good. With Nolen leading, Westbrook scoring, and any of the other three capable of stepping up and having a big offensive night, this starting five should be able to compete with any in the Big Ten.

The BAD:

1. Rusty PC
The criticism probably isn't fair since he is still recovering, but Paul Carter looked a little shaky in what was his first extended PT since his ankle injury. He had a couple turnovers and missed a couple open looks including one bunny put back (bringing back Tollackson nightmares). It was good he was able to test himself before Big Ten play. Hopefully he will be able to regain his pre-injury form sooner rather than later. He did show signs of him old self in other facets of the game by grabbing 4 rebounds and getting 1 assist, steal, and block each in just 12 minutes of play.

2. Jamal Abu-Shamala
Like the Louisville game, JAS did not start tonight (finally as I have been pleading for this all season). While it's not his fault, it's pretty obvious that he is just not on the same level athletically as the rest of the guys on the team. He continues to be unable to knock down open looks, and if he can't do that he adds little value to the squad beyond senior leadership. Westbrook, Hoff, Joseph, Bostick, and even Busch have displayed solid three point strokes which makes it difficult for Tubby to justify putting JAS out there. I appreciate the contributions JAS has made to Golden Gopher basketball, but it appears his role will be drastically reduced this season. Look for Carter and Bostick to eat up Jamal's minutes.

The Looming Question:

So Many Players, So Little Time
With the solid performance by Bostick tonight and PC nearing full strength, how will Tubby dole out playing time amongst 12 players? In WCCO's post game interview Tubby stressed that the he would continue to use his deep bench and thinks it will be to the Gophers advantage. I agree with Coach that a deep bench is key, but 12 players? That's too many mouths to feed. Games are only 40 minutes long. Tubby needs to shorten his bench down to at least 10. I can only speculate but I think the two guys that end up with the shaft will come from the following group: Bostick, JAS, Busch, and PC.