Minnesota (11/13/24)

[TIgreen01]

We need to pack the Pit going forward.  This is going to be a team you'll regret missing games for.  

[Son Of A Flying Worm]

On 11/14/2024 at 8:29 AM, Censored by Laurie said:

from reading their board, another key transfer Tyler Cochran was also hurt...averaged 14.5ppg last year for a 20 win Toledo squad. you can only play who's in front of you, though

ya...Newell so far just doesn't seem to do much save for be 6'9"...he's an ok shooter, an ok defender, an ok rebounder...he's starting to give Hamir Wright vibes. he's well under his Cal averages (though, those were some bad Cal teams)...hopefully he finds a bit more footing over the next few games, but currently I'm for either Massie or Lorient at the 4

Nice find on the Cochran player. I'd go with Massie at the 4 based on the small sample size. I don't like playing two non-shooting bigs together. Lorient has definitely out played Newell so far. So, it's understandable if Hodge goes the two bigs route he would choose Lorient.

[UNTLifer]

Watched the game on Youtube last night.  Couple of thoughts/observations.

1.  What is the purpose of the raised court?  I think Vandy has one as well.  Seems like it poses an injury threat to the players.

2.  Man, we missed a lot of open shots.  

3.  Our defense completely took them out of their game.  If we can play that D and find our offense, then this team will be tough to beat.

4.  Big 10 refs suck.

5.  I know many on here are critical of him, but Sissoko's growth has been fun to watch.

6.  Thank goodness we have Walker.  What a leader and calming presence for our team.  Love his game.

[Big Z]

9 minutes ago, UNTLifer said:

Watched the game on Youtube last night.  Couple of thoughts/observations.

1.  What is the purpose of the raised court?  I think Vandy has one as well.  Seems like it poses an injury threat to the players.

2.  Man, we missed a lot of open shots.  

3.  Our defense completely took them out of their game.  If we can play that D and find our offense, then this team will be tough to beat.

4.  Big 10 refs suck.

5.  I know many on here are critical of him, but Sissoko's growth has been fun to watch.

6.  Thank goodness we have Walker.  What a leader and calming presence for our team.  Love his game.

4. 100%

[NT80]

1 hour ago, UNTLifer said:

Watched the game on Youtube last night.  Couple of thoughts/observations.

1.  What is the purpose of the raised court?  I think Vandy has one as well.  Seems like it poses an injury threat to the players.

 

The raised floor at Williams Arena, also known as "the Barn" in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was designed to improve sightlines for fans and create a buffer zone between the court and the fans:

• Better view: The raised floor allows fans to see more of the action on the court. 
• Buffer zone: The raised floor creates a separation between the fans and the court. 
• Historic feature: The raised floor is one of the few remaining in the United States and contributes to the arena's historic feel. 
• Unique feature: The raised floor makes Williams Arena different from other arenas and memorable for visitors. 
   

The raised floor is about two feet above the ground, which means that the first row of seats are below the court and fans are roughly at the players' knee level. Only head coaches are allowed on the court during play, except for officials and players who are actively playing. 

Williams Arena is one of the oldest basketball arenas in the country, having opened in 1928. The arena is home to the Minnesota Golden Gophers men's basketball team, which competes in the Big Ten Conference. 

 

It used to also house indoor football practice, tennis, indoor track, and hockey.  The building was remodeled in 1950. Renamed in honor of Dr. Henry L. Williams, U of M football coach from 1900 to 1921, it was divided into a hockey arena on one end and a basketball arena with a seating capacity of 18,025 on the other. From 1950 until 1971, it had the largest capacity of any collegiate basketball arena in the country. 

 

More interesting history of "The Barn" are here...

 

https://gophersports.com/sports/2018/5/21/facilities-williams-arena-html

 

 

 

[CMJ]

It also might prepare your team for the later rounds of the NCAA tournament, since the Final Four (and often Regional semis/finals too) play in huge arena where they similarly raise the floor.