This isn't where the Gophers wanted to end up, but it's where they are.
Yes, Minnesota wanted to be, and felt it deserved to be in the NCAA Tournament, but the committee didn't agree.
"It was frustrating to not see our names up there," sophomore forward Joey King said.
So instead the Gophers a No. 1 seed in the NIT and have a first-round matchup with High Point on Tuesday night.
The attitude the Gophers take moving forward will determine how their season will wrap up.
The Gophers felt lucky to be in the NIT two years ago and worked their tails off to win three road games en route to earning a trip to New York, where they won in the semifinals before falling in the championship game.
The circumstances are different this time around. This team actually had a shot to be NCAA bound. This team wasn't hoping to be in the NIT, in fact it was just the opposite. But if this team brings the same energy and enthusiasm Minnesota brought two years ago, it could achieve similar results and make a return trip to New York.
"We have a great opportunity with this NIT Tournament to continue to build and get better," King said. "I think we're going to go there and really try to win it. … It's a goal that we really want to accomplish."
It all starts with the type of effort the Gophers put forth tonight.
Here are five things to watch for:
Effort: Yes, King, Austin Hollins and coach Richard Pitino all echoed the same sentiment. Though the Gophers were disappointed in not making the NCAAs, they are going to work hard and try to make a run in the NIT. But you'd expect a team in Minnesota's spot to say that. It's another thing to go out and do it.
I'd look for the first 10 minutes tonight as a key point for Minnesota. The start could be a good indicator to see how much effort Minnesota wants to put into this postseason run.
Yes, the Gophers could easily overcome a poor start to beat High Point on Tuesday night. But if the will to win isn't there, the Gophers won't be making a run to New York.
The seniors: If anyone will be motivated to truly compete in this tournament, it will be seniors Austin Hollins, Malik Smith and Maverick Ahanmisi. None of those three want their collegiate careers to come to an end. And for Austin Hollins, each game provides another opportunity to show his skills to people at the next level, especially if the Gophers are able to advance to Madison Square Garden.
Look for the seniors to attempt to step up and give the Gophers a lift.
The All-Dre backcourt: Consisting of Andre Hollins and DeAndre Mathieu, the Gophers backcourt never seemed to 100-percent gel all season. Hollins and Mathieu, who will enter next season as the Gophers two best and most important players, both scored in double-figures in just seven of the 18 Big Ten games both played in this season. Minnesota went 6-1 in those contests.
Often, one or the other seemed to get theirs at the expense of the other. Hollins and Mathieu, who are both at their best with the ball in their hands, have to figure out how to both succeed and play well offensively together. They have to figure out how to make one another better. That process can make a few steps forward in this tourament.
Elliott Eliason: This is a good game for Elliott Eliason to get himself rolling again on the offensive end. Eliason hasn't hit the 10-point mark since Minnesota's win over Ohio State back on Jan. 16. He didn't record a point in two of the Gophers last three games. He'll undoubtedly have a matchup advantage tonight — High Point's tallest player is 6-9. If he can have a good scoring game or two, that could give him some much-needed confidence on the offensive end heading into the offseason.
Pitino's suit: I think we see the dark navy one tonight. Nothing special, no pinstripes or anything.
KenPom game prediction: Gophers 76, High Point 61 (Minnesota has a 93 percent chance of victory)
