Puerto Rico competition
A brief look at the seven other teams joining the Gophers in San Juan:
Butler: The No. 22 Bulldogs ran up 144 points in their season opener. And their defense is better.
Miami: The Hurricanes' offense looked efficient in two games, connecting on 48.7 percent of two-point shots and 40.7 percent on threes.
Mississippi State: Ben Howland is back coaching, and he's already reeled in top-10 recruit Malik Newman.
Missouri State: The Bears averaged only 59.7 points a game a year ago and hints are offensive woes could continue.
Temple: Fran Dunphy has enough playmakers to make the Owls relentless on defense again this year.
Texas Tech: Devaugntah Williams could have a big year for the Red Raiders, but he'll need some scoring help.
Utah: Seven-footer Jakob Poeltl has already shown signs that he is ready to break out and cause trouble for opponents of the No. 16 Utes this season.
AMELIA RAYNO
