Cade Tyson is back in Minnesota's program. His availability for games remains unresolved.
In its September 8 announcement, Minnesota said Tyson had enrolled in classes and would practice while awaiting his eligibility status. For Niko Medved, that means preparing an offense with access to last season's leading scorer while also preparing to play without him.
The missing role is bigger than one scoring average
Tyson averaged 19.6 points last season. The university also lists him as Minnesota's leader in minutes per game at 36.7, with 175 made free throws on 213 attempts.
The free throws explain part of the workload another player would have to absorb. Tyson generated points at the line as well as from the field. Replacing that role would require Minnesota to find players who can finish possessions and get to the foul line, even on nights when perimeter shots miss.
His official biography records different kinds of scoring nights. He tied the school record with eight threes against Texas Southern. He made 11 free throws in the win at Northwestern. Those games illustrate why simply assigning his shots to another shooter would be an incomplete plan.
Medved has returning players to work with
Minnesota's summer roster overview identified Jaylen Crocker-Johnson, Isaac Asuma and Bobby Durkin among its returning players. Crocker-Johnson averaged 13.4 points and 6.8 rebounds last season. Asuma had 123 assists, while Durkin made a team-high 80 threes.
Those are three different ways to support an offense. If Tyson becomes available, they give Medved experienced players to connect to his scoring. If he remains unavailable, the staff has to distribute more responsibility among those returners and the newcomers.
One practical question is who gets the ball when the first action produces nothing. Another is who attacks a closeout hard enough to reach the paint. Tyson's planned participation will let Minnesota rehearse possessions with him. It also makes the practice repetitions without him worth watching, because those groups may have to carry the same responsibilities in games.
I would keep both plans active until Minnesota announces a change in his game eligibility. Its release lists November 2 against North Dakota as the regular-season opener. The team needs a workable offense for that date under either outcome.
For another look at how returning guards affect an offense, read Nate Calloway on Duke's January road stretch. CBR's college basketball coverage follows the roster and coaching decisions around the season.
