Richard Pitino addressed the media Saturday about the team’s Big Ten opener against Rutgers.
The Minnesota Golden Gophers may be without starting guard Dupree McBrayer for a second straight game. Pitino spoke about how McBrayer’s absence had a significant domino effect in Minnesota’s loss to Miami.
With McBrayer out, Isaiah Washington started — and struggled — against Miami. His promotion also left the bench without any natural scorers. Michael Hurt and Davonte Fitzgerald spoke about the need for the bench to improve going forward.
Pitino also addressed the strangeness of the Big Ten season beginning so early with two conference matchups scheduled before the New Year. He then complimented Minnesota’s fans for their showing in the Miami game.