Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
2008-2009 record: 22-11, 9-9.
Lost in first round of NCAA tournament to Texas.
Preseason ranking: No. 25.
Reasons to believe: Four starters return to a feisty team that led the Big Ten in steals and blocked shots.
REASONS TO DOUBT PLAYER TO WATCH TOP NEWCOMER SUCCESS HAPPENS IF …
Gophers lack a go-to player and made less than 33 percent of 3-pointers last season. Lawrence Westbrook dropped 15 pounds to 180 but remains rugged like cousin Brian of the Philadelphia Eagles. Local product Rodney
Williams is a long, athletic wing — seemingly perfect for coach Tubby Smith. The Gophers reach
the NCAA’s Sweet 16.
