Gophers MBB Coach Ben Johnson Sounds a Little Desperate

College basketball season is just around the corner, and the Minnesota Gophers are in desperate need of a strong year. This is especially true for head coach Ben Johnson, who’s heading into his fourth season at the helm. So far, his tenure has been disappointing, but could this be the year things finally turn around?

Ben Johnson holds a 41-54 overall record at Minnesota, with a tough 15-44 mark in Big Ten play. This year, fresh off of an NIT appearance last season, Johnson needs to win now, and he knows time is running out on his hometown opportunity.

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Minnesota Gophers MBB coach Ben Johnson has HUGE ‘sense of urgency’

In the age of NIL dominating college sports, Ben Johnson understands the recruiting landscape has changed drastically. You need money for top talent. Period.

And since the Minnesota Gophers can’t compete financially for the top recruits, he shifted his focus over the offseason to building a roster of elder wisdom. Instead of chasing high-priced talent, Johnson leaned on the transfer portal, and prioritized experienced players. Since he can’t get the best talent, he got the oldest talent.

Johnson boosted his roster with some veteran talent through the transfer portal this offseason, bringing in Frank Mitchell. The team also signed Minnesota native Lu’Cye Patterson and added seniors Femi Odukale, Brennan Rigsby, Tyler Cochran, and Caleb Williams.

“Who has urgency? Guys who have one less year,” he said. “Now as a coach, selfishly you know I don’t have to worry. They ain’t coming back. I don’t have to worry about them going into the portal. They’re done. There’s urgency now. They’re going to be all in, and invested.”

Ben Johnson – StarTribune

Let’s also not forget about seniors Dawson Garcia, Mike Mitchell Jr., and Parker Fox, who are all returning this season. Their presence will give also Johnson a wealth of experience as the team gears up for the 2024-25 campaign. And with all that age comes a sense of urgency to win now.

Urgent… or desperate?

Ben Johnson is hoping more experience leads to more wins. It’s not a horrible strategy, and may keep the Gophers out of the basement of the Big Ten. But it’s unlikely to produce “Sweet 16” type results, barring some unforeseen miracle.

“Who has urgency? Guys who have one less year,” he said. “Now as a coach, selfishly you know I don’t have to worry. They ain’t coming back. I don’t have to worry about them going into the portal. They’re done. There’s urgency now. They’re going to be all in, and invested.”

What his strategy really tells us, is the exact same thing he will tell you. He’s desperate… or urgent, if that’s the word he prefers. And it comes off that way when he talks. Ben needs to make

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Johnson is clearly targeting players with plenty of experience, fully aware that his seat might be getting warmer this season. He’s in urgent need of an NCAA tournament appearance, to keep his job. But through three seasons, he’s never gotten close.