Gophers’ basketball head coach Richard Pitino posted a blog on Wednesday after the team’s first summer practice.
After coming off a disappointing season that included just two conference wins on top of players finding themselves in trouble off the court, Pitino has a new focus for the upcoming season.
“The word I focused on over and over again was RESPECT,” Pitino wrote in his blog. “We all understand, top to bottom, that last year was unacceptable on and off the court. We are excited to gain everyone’s trust back.”
Athletic Director Mark Coyle, who was hired in May, has the Gophers basketball team under the microscope for the upcoming season.
Notes from his blog:
- Reggie Lynch remains suspended (sexual assault investigation)
- Pitino hopes JUCO transfer Davante Fitzgerald will be a 3-point threat
- Pitino wants guys to believe they can play “at the next level”
- He expects this year’s schedule to be the toughest yet
Minnesota plays Maryland, Michigan State, Ohio State, Penn State and Wisconsin both home and away this season. You can read more about their 2016-17 Big Ten opponents right here.
