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Mr. Ed -> RE: Gopher Basketball (Mens) (2/28/2013 2:58:13 PM)
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ESPN 1500
MINNEAPOLIS -- University of Minnesota athletic director Norwood Teague said on Thursday he thinks the university's plan for athletics facility building and updating is in good shape financially.
That includes a practice facility for the basketball team -- which Teague says is a need, not a want.
Teague said he thinks private money can build that building.
"I feel like we're in good shape there," Teague said. "It's not going to be easy. It's a matter of cultivating and selling what we're doing. I feel good about where we are at."
As far as Williams Arena goes, he's not one who would like to tear it down and start over.
"I think we would want to add amenities," Teague said. "I don't feel like we need to do a whole lot to the inner bowl. I just think it's too classic and it's too historical ... just too much a part of this state."
Teague said the university hopes to have the facilities plan finalized by mid-April and then take the ideas around the state to introduce to residents.
On another matter, Teague said he knows the changes in the Big Ten Conference aren't liked by everyone, but he says he likes the way it appears to be falling for the Gophers.
"As far as where we are, it looks like the divisional make up will be favorable for us," Teague said. "It's very regional. Moving forward with expansion, I don't know what'll happen."
Whatever happens, Teague said he feels comfortable with the future of the conference.
"We've got a commissioner who is, in my eyes, kind of the leader of college athletics in a lot of ways and he does it in a way that's very smart," Teague said. "The Big Ten Network is a brilliant idea. It continues to thrive. I'll tell you, being in the room with Jim Delany is very fascinating. He is a bright, great guy, and he understands things so deep."
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