SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- Tubby Smith had one of the most talented basketball teams ever assembled at the University of Minnesota six years ago.
After his second straight top-25 recruiting class, Smith's roster included Al Nolen, Devoe Joseph, Justin Cobbs and Blake Hoffarber at guard, Royce White, Paul Carter, Rodney Williams, Damian Johnson and Trevor Mbakwe at forward and Colton Iverson and Ralph Sampson III at center.
That group consisted of six all-conference selections, two NBA draft picks, but also five players who transferred.
"That team had Final Four talent," said Texas Tech assistant Joe Esposito, who was on Smith's staff with the Gophers.