In one season at the University of Minnesota, Richard Pitino brought in a cache of underrated talent, claimed an NIT title and began stacking the first building blocks of a badly needed foundation.
At Minnesota -- a program without top-notch facilities to boast or a recent history of success -- it will take time. Dedication. Patience.
Pitino and the program need more of the latter with the news that top recruit Gaston Diedhiou did not get into the university.
Here's my story from last night.
Diedhiou did not fail his standard academic tests. The NCAA Clearinghouse deemed him fully prepared, but he posted an English proficiency score that didn't meet Minnesota's standards and will need to take a course this fall in hopes of gaining U of M entry this spring.
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