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Early top 25 for 2017-18 college basketball: Post-early entry deadline

By Chris Stone

March 16, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Allonzo Trier (35) dunks to score a basket against the North Dakota Fighting Hawks during the first half of the first round of the NCAA tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
March 16, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Allonzo Trier (35) dunks to score a basket against the North Dakota Fighting Hawks during the first half of the first round of the NCAA tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 16, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers forward Eric Curry (24) and guard Amir Coffey (5) celebrate during the second half of the game against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers forward Eric Curry (24) and guard Amir Coffey (5) celebrate during the second half of the game against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

14. Minnesota Golden Gophers

Notable departures: Akeem Springs
Notable returnees: Amir Coffey, Eric Curry, Bakary Donate, Davonte Fitzgerald, Reggie Lynch, Nate Mason, Dupree McBrayer, Jordan Murphy
Notable newcomers: Jamir Harris, Isaiah Washington

The Minnesota Golden Gophers made their first NCAA Tournament of the Richard Pitino era last season and they’ll return nearly every important piece for the 2017-18 season. Senior guard Akeem Springs is the only major departure, but 4-star recruit Isaiah Washington should help shore up the team’s backcourt depth.

As for those already on the roster, 6-foot-8 guard Amir Coffey could be due for a breakout. The rising sophomore is a former top 50 recruit who averaged 14.7 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.7 assists per 40 minutes as a freshman. Coffey has excellent potential as a scorer and he could provide the extra punch that Minnesota needs. The Gophers ranked 77th last season in adjusted offensive efficiency, so finding a more reliable scorer will be key.

Even if Coffey doesn’t take the expected leap, Minnesota will be able to fall back on its defense, which ranked 22nd last season in adjusted efficiency. 6-foot-10 center Reggie Lynch is a terrific rim protector on the interior. His 6.0 blocks per 40 minutes in 2016-17 helped erase plenty of easy looks for opponents.

The Gophers won’t necessarily make strides because of new pieces in 2017-18, but if they can grow internally, they’ll push the Michigan State Spartans in the Big Ten.