Minnesota Scouting Report

In Ben Johnson's third year as the head coach for Minnesota, he has put together a fun, competitive team. Currently sitting at 15-8 and 6-6 in the Big Ten, this marks a significant improvement from last season. With only back up big man Parker Fox graduating, this young group of Golden Gophers is feisty and capable of testing any team in the Big Ten.

Minnesota Offense

The Golden Gophers are well-balanced around All-Big Ten forward Dawson Garcia. They are scoring 76.1 points per a game with an adjusted offensive efficiency of 110.5 according to Kenpom. Minnesota's biggest strength rank is their two point shooting where they rank inside the top twenty nationally.

Player Profiles

#3 - Dawson Garcia

The skilled lefty forward is best using his face up game that allows him to pull up or rip to drive left. Garcia is a good weakside passer as well as scorer. With Purdue using Trey Kauffman-Renn and Mason Gillis, I expect them to force him onto his heels by trying to deny him touches.

#0 - Elijah Hawkins

Coming from Howard, Minnesota's point guard is constantly probing defenses. He is very quick and constantly changing directions to catch his defender sleeping. Purdue will use Lance Jones on Hawkins, sacrificing semi-open jumpers to wall off the paint.

#24 - Cam Christie

Christie has established himself as a top freshmen in the Big Ten, in large part because of his three point shooting. The wing is very aggressive shooting in transition or if defenders go under on screens. I expect Fletcher Loyer to get this matchup and Purdue focusing on not giving him any opportunities.

#2 - Mike Mitchell

Mitchell has a lighting quick release from three and a bright green light. He has had four games of hitting 4+ three pointers in conference play while shooting 12/29 (41%) on three on the road. This matchup will most likely fall to Braden Smith, with Braden applying a lot of pressure to Mitchell.

#21 - Pharrell Payne

Each and every touch, Payne is going to go right through his defenders chest to get to the rim, while also having good instincts to generate fouls when defenders reach. The key for Edey is doing his work early with his legs and walling up to contest shots. Other Purdue players have to be good at crashing behind Payne to tip rebounds away.

#1 - Joshua Ola-Joseph

Coming off the bench, Ola-Joseph is an athletic slasher looking to drive, cut, and rebound for Minnesota. Purdue has to be aware of Ola-Joseph, focusing on stopping his cuts before they get to the paint.

Offensive Sets + Motion

Pick and Roll Motion

Side Spain Pick and Roll

Decoy Ball Screen Pin Down (Christie)

Garcia Isolations

Gopher Defense

They predominantly play man to man but I would not be surprised if they used a zone against Purdue. Minnesota plays a disciplined defensive style while also taking away a lot of opponents three pointers.

• Pick and roll - Hard hedge with weakside tagging the roller

• Post ups - Face guarding Edey and fronting everyone else (one on one)

• On ball - Non-pressuring, choosing to clog the paint

• Off ball - Low man is the helper, high man watches the ball

Predicted Matchups

Braden Smith - Elijah Hawkins

Lance Jones - Cam Christie

Fletcher Loyer - Mike Mitchell

Trey Kauffman-Renn - Dawson Garcia

Zach Edey - Pharrell Payne

Keys to the Game

Minnesota:

1. Defend Edey without giving him free throws

2. Keep the ball out of the paint in ball screens, only allow jumpers

3. REBOUND THE BALL!

4. Get Christie and Mitchell shots early and often

Purdue

1. Non-Edey players being aggressive scoring in the paint

2. Dominate the offensive and defensive glass

3. Give Christie and Mitchell no space the entire game

4. Purdue forcing turnovers with their help defense!