What could have been for the Gophers

**HuddleUp** · 02-26-2012, 11:09 PM

Man, they would have been loaded. Like, top 10 talent loaded. I'm glad it worked out well for him and us. Definitely a win win.

Pre-exodus Gophers basketball team would be something special - College Basketball News | FOX Sports on MSN

Royce comments:

Royce White, PF: The former Hopkins star left because he was frustrated after not being allowed to play while dealing with legal issues. White was Smith's highest-rated recruit (No. 19 overall by Rivals.com in 2009) at Minnesota. But now the 6-foot-8, 270-pound power forward is on his way to leading Iowa State back to the NCAA tournament. White is one of the nation's most versatile players, leading his team in points (12.9), rebounds (9.1) and assists (4.9).

**Final42b** · 02-26-2012, 11:12 PM

Woulda coulda shoulda. Minny fans just need to let it go.

**alarson** · 02-26-2012, 11:14 PM

At least we can say we can empathize after all the transfers during the mcdermott era.

**HuddleUp** · 02-26-2012, 11:20 PM

Originally Posted by Final42b

Woulda coulda shoulda. Minny fans just need to let it go.

I didn't take this piece that way, although I'm sure their fans are thinking it. Who wouldn't. I didn't realize he left along with other potential frontline starters. I'm guessing that too was a factor in his decision. Without taking the time to look it up, what were his other options besides us? I can't remember. I thought Kentucky was in there but I might be thinking of someone else.

**HuddleUp** · 02-26-2012, 11:21 PM

Originally Posted by alarson

At least we can say we can empathize after all the transfers during the mcdermott era.

No kidding. Nice to be on the receiving end.

**Final42b** · 02-26-2012, 11:23 PM

Ya not saying this article is necessarly that way, but their fans sure dont seem to want to let it go.

**GMan** · 02-26-2012, 11:27 PM

I live up in Minneapolis, and this is crystal clear for any Gopher fan. If they could've just kept their players, they would be talking about what kind of run they would make in the NCAA tournament. They have dealt with a ton of bad luck in the Tubby era like us with the McD era.

**HuddleUp** · 02-26-2012, 11:29 PM

Another article on Royce. This one during his junior year in high school.

Scout.com: Junior Royce White to Transfer to Hopkins

Interesting to note that he weighed 210 before his junior season. Also mentions shot-blocking as one of his strengths and that he's worked hard on his ball-handling. That obviously paid off.

**Sloup** · 02-26-2012, 11:30 PM

Originally Posted by Final42b

Ya not saying this article is necessarly that way, but their fans sure dont seem to want to let it go.

To me, it reads kind of like this:

"Huh. Would you look at that?"

**HuddleUp** · 02-26-2012, 11:32 PM

Originally Posted by GMan

I live up in Minneapolis, and this is crystal clear for any Gopher fan. If they could've just kept their players, they would be talking about what kind of run they would make in the NCAA tournament. They have dealt with a ton of bad luck in the Tubby era like us with the McD era.

How bad did the Royce thing hurt Gopher fans up there? Was it comparable to the disappointment of the Barnes/UNC signing with ISU fans? I'm not comparing the two as players...just the reaction of the fans when they decided to go elsewhere. Both hometown heroes and highly ranked.

**kingcy** · 02-26-2012, 11:37 PM

Was at a Twins game this summer. Once the guy sitting by me found out I was an ISU fan all he could talk about is how good RW is and how he upset he was he left Minn.

**TheAdmiral** · 02-27-2012, 12:44 AM

Colton Iverson should not be counted on that list. He's terrible.

**CycloneWarrior** · 02-27-2012, 02:36 AM

Boo ******* hoo. We lost an unreal amount of players during the McDermott years too. Btw UCLA has lost a lot more talent over the last few years than both isu and Minnesota

**cyclone22** · 02-27-2012, 09:15 AM

Originally Posted by CycloneWarrior

Boo ******* hoo. We lost an unreal amount of players during the McDermott years too. Btw UCLA has lost a lot more talent over the last few years than both isu and Minnesota

Im from Minny and also a Minny fan. Just think.

G Joesph

G Cobbs

F Mbakwe

F White

C Iverson

Thats a final 4 team right there. But none of them wanna play Tubby-ball (aka less offense of game plan than a pick up game at Leid). Also his love affair with Ralph Sampson III is sickening.

**BKLYNCyclone** · 02-27-2012, 09:42 AM

Originally Posted by HuddleUp

How bad did the Royce thing hurt Gopher fans up there? Was it comparable to the disappointment of the Barnes/UNC signing with ISU fans? I'm not comparing the two as players...just the reaction of the fans when they decided to go elsewhere. Both hometown heroes and highly ranked.

Worse... They had Royce, and lost him to a transfer. We never had Barnes with McDermott and anyone who thought we did was really just hoping for the best. Losing Wes Johnson to Syracuse was harder for me than HB for the same reason... We had him, and lost him. HB made the right decision for himself, and I have no qualms about it.

HB and Doug could have potentially saved McDermott from the impending axe and decision to go to Creighton... That being said, I'm not sure we'd be as good now while trying to run a MCD offense. CFH has shown the willingness to adapt his coaching style to the players that he has and we run a fairly unique offense because of it.

It reminds me of losing Hinrich but then having to recruit and ultimately gaining Jamaal Tinsley.