Gopher Basketball Preview-Reserves

(by Travis Aune MSU Founder)

Isiah Washington  PG  Freshman

You can make the argument that he is the top recruit in the Pitino time with the Gophers.  He is very different than Mason in that Washington is a pass first PG and got the nickname Jelly from the teardrop finger roll.  He will come off the bench and have a spark off the bench.  The PG from the Bronx will make losing Tre Jones a little bit easier.  I am very excited to see what he can do.  I am sure he will have good days and bad days, but he is a phenomenal prospect and someone to keep an eye on for the Gophers.

Jamir Harris G  Freshman 

Harris will fill the role of Akeem Springs from last year.  Harris is an excellent three-point shooter.  He is not on the level of Washington on prospect lists.  However, the New Brunswick, New Jersey native he comes over to Minnesota.  He will play a lot I would think as his outside shot prowess will help the Gophers.  It will have to be figured out I would think probably in the Michael Hurt type role.  Maybe play a little early and then play more and more as the season goes on.

Davonte Fitzgerald  F  Senior*

Fitzgerald is a transfer from Texas A&M who spent his first two years at Texas A&M averaging 5.4 pts and 1.4 rebounds.  The 6'8 forward was ready to be a contributor in his final year but suffered an injury, so he redshirted.  The NCAA granted him a 5th year, and it will be interesting to see if he plays the 4th and 5th years with the Gophers and if the Gophers want him to.  With the bigs coming in for 2018-2019 that it will be interested to see what they want to do.  I view him performing the Eric Curry role.  He will play good defense, rebound and hit the mid-range shots.

Bakary Konate   C  Senior

He is a fine backup center.  He is not going to look to shoot much, but he will rebind and play defense at an elite level.  He will not be excused as someone that needs to be guarded heavy, but he is good defensively.

Michael Hurt  F  Sophmore

Michael Hurt was a bit of a disappoint his freshman year.  In that, he only played a little over five minutes a game.  He averaged 0.7 pts and 0.5 rebounds per game.  He is a reserve they are looking forward to being a contributor.  I would expect his numbers to double if not tripled this year.  I would view him as Amir Coffey's primary backup, and they need him to be able to handle that role.  I am hopeful that he will take that next step because the Gophers need him.