The Wake

‘I’m Rich, Bitch’ Award: Marion Barber III

Minnesota’s own star running back decided to forgo his senior year of eligibility and throw his head into the NFL draft. Barber and Lawerence Maroney were a wicked one-two punch at halfback (the only two in NCAA history to rush for 1000 yards on the same team two years in a row). So why is he skipping out on one last chance to prove the Gophers can be as good as everyone wants them to be? The draft pool for running backs wasn’t too deep this year. Did someone hear a cha-ching?

Master of Thievery: Torii Hunter, Minnesota Twins

For several years now, Torii Hunter has been patrolling centerfield pastures with the swiftness of an eagle: Gliding inward and swooping down to snag wannabe Texas-leaguers; racing deep into outfield gaps to make diving grabs of line drives that had extra bases written all over them; and, as is Hunter’s trademark, scaling outfield fences to make mind-boggling snares of would-be homerun shots (i.e. Barry Bonds, Miller Park, the 2002 All-Star Game). As if that weren’t enough, the seven—year veteran is now mastering the art of stealing bases. As of April 21st, 16 games into the season, Hunter has successfully swiped a league-leading nine bases. Perhaps even more impressive, Hunter has yet to be caught (and this includes two SB’s off Detroit’s rifleman catcher, “Pudge” Rodriguez). Look for Hunter to easily eclipse his current base-stealing season high of 23, which he stole last season. Also, if Hunter keeps up his stealing success rate, he’ll have a good chance to win the AL stolen base title — a feat no Twin has ever accomplished. However, Torii would have to out-steal some tough competition, including Chicago’s Scott Podsednik (70 in the NL last season), Tampa Bay’s Carl Crawford (led AL last season with 56) and Seattle’s Ichiro Suzuki.

Surprise of the Semester: Men’s Basketball Team

You’re probably sick of hearing how the Gopher men’s basketball team were supposed to have been terrible this year, supposed to have finished in the bottom of the Big Ten. Not only did our willful hoopsters avoid such a dreadful fate, they powered through the Big Ten schedule with 10 wins and finished fourth in the conference, earning their first trip to the NCAA tournament in six years. And all of you wanted to fire Dan Monson last season… shame on you.

Scapegoat Award – Flip Saunders

The Minnesota Timberwolves needed to blame their disappointing season on something and apparently Flip Saunders was the cause of the Wolves’ demise. After reaching the Western Conference Finals last season, the Timberwolves had high expectations this year. However, a rash of injuries and sporadic play caused major problems that Saunders ultimately couldn’t fix. Saunders needed to use 12 different starting lineups and was fired when the Wolves were 25-26. These factors are an injustice to a coach who had been there for 10 years with a record of 411 wins and 326 losses. Flip Saunders got tossed off the same ship that he helped steer in the right direction and for that, Flip Saunders is the scapegoat of the semester.

‘Shhh’ Award: Women’s Hockey Team

Shhh… don’t tell anyone, but the Gopher Women’s Hockey team just one their second national championship in a row. Not only that, but the women absolutely dominated their opponents, posting a 32-2-2 record. Oh, and they were ranked number one in the nation the entire season. Rumor has it, there’s going to be a riot as soon as the rest of the student population hears about this.

Most Impressive Scoreless Streak: Matt Loberg, Minnesota Gophers’ baseball

For three consecutive starts (Mar. 25, Apr. 1, Apr. 8), Gophers senior right-handed pitcher Matt Loberg was relentless. The Anoka, Minn., native simply refused to allow any of his opposing hitters to cross home plate. Loberg pitched 25 consecutive scoreless innings. Loberg gave up 14 hits, issued three walks and struck out 19 batters during a pitching streak of Johan Santana-like proportions.

Look at me now award: Dwayne Wade, Miami Heat

In his rookie season Dwayne Wade was overshadowed by Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James. The former Marquette star has shown critics his abilities this season with the help of Shaquille O’Neal. The Miami Heat finished the NBA season with the best record in the East. Dwayne Wade averaged 24.1 points per game this season while also dishing out 6.8 assists per game. Wade has also had a handful of game-winning shots this season, which helped the Heat win 17 more games than last year. Wade proved critics wrong and showed them that he can play at a high level night in and night out.

Turnaround Award: Phoenix Suns

The Phoenix Suns’ front office deserves a round of applause for the marvelous job they did this season. The Suns added Quentin Richardson and Steve Nash, two vital elements to the Suns’ success this season. Richardson came in and provided the Suns with a good, small forward, which the Suns had been lacking in the past. Nash has taken over the team while having a sensational year at point guard. Nash is an MVP candidate who is averaging a career-best 11.5 assists per game. With the Suns new look, they have shown the NBA that teams can still play up-tempo basketball and be victorious. The Suns ran their way in to the league’s best record at 62-20 this season after posting a meager 29-53 record in the 2003-2004 season.

The Q-Lew Instant Offense Award: Vincent Grier, Minnesota Gophers’ Basketball

A transfer from Dixie State Junior College (Charlotte, NC), Vincent Grier provided an offensive flair that has recent Gopher basketball squads have sorely lacked. Grier’s 17.9 points per game and wide assortment of high-flying, hair-raising dunks led Minnesota to its first NCAA tournament berth since 1998. With his explosive style and ability to penetrate inside, Grier may remind Gopher fans of ex-Gopher, current NBA guard, Bobby Jackson. However, it was another player from Jackson’s ‘98 Final Four team who had a nickname that aptly suits Grier. “Instant Offense” was a moniker of former Gopher swingman Quincy Lewis (a.k.a. “Q-Lew”).

Future Stars from the Big Ten

Deron Williams (Illinois) – Although he isn’t the quickest guard, Williams has terrific vision on the court and an uncanny ability to distribute the basketball. He averaged almost seven assists per game while helping Illinois to a 37-2 record. Williams also showcased his ability to perform under pressure in the NCAA tournament in the 15 point comeback against Arizona. Williams will forego his senior season and should be a solid contributor in the NBA.

Luther Head (Illinois) – Head possesses a great ability to shoot from long range with a 41 percent average from three-point land. He led Illinois in scoring with 15.9 points per game. Head is also an exceptional defender who disrupts passing lanes. Head will surely find a roster spot and see the court often in the NBA.

Bracey Wright (Indiana) – It isn’t too often when two high school teammates enter the NBA draft in the same year. Bracey Wright played high school basketball with Deron Williams before moving onto Indiana where he excelled. Wright is an exceptional scorer who won the Big Ten scoring title averaging 18.3 points per game. Wright will pass up his senior season to make the jump to the NBA.

Spring Semester MVG: Janel McCarville

The 6 foot2 inch senior may not have brought the women Gophers back to the Final Four, but she did just about everything she could to try. And besides, they did lose to the eventual champions. McCarville earned All-American honors again this year. And, even more impressive, she was the first overall selection in the WNBA’s draft. You go girl! We’ll miss you.