Gophers coach Richard Pitino and his staff aren't just searching for the next Daniel Oturu, they're also looking for the next Amir Coffey, too.
Pitino and assistant coach Ed Conroy have been in constant contact with Rice transfer Drew Peterson, who resembles Coffey's size and game.
The 6-foot-8 Libertyville, Ill. native averaged 11.1 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists last season as a sophomore. Since announcing his transfer last week, Peterson has also heard from Creighton, Cincinnati, Virginia Tech and Stanford.
On Thursday, Peterson talked to the Star Tribune about the U's interest in him and the virtual tour he took of Minnesota's campus and Athletes Village facilities.
"Coach Pitino, the staff and I had a great virtual visit," Peterson said. "I got to see everything from facilities to play-style to living situations. And I was really impressed. Been talking to them a lot over the last couple days."
Coffey, a 6-8 guard from Hopkins, left the Gophers after his junior year when he led them to the second round of the NCAA tournament. Pitino has been selling to Peterson that he could fill a similar role. Coffey had 115 assists in his last year. Peterson had 112 last year playing multiple positions on the perimeter.
"They can see me playing anything from [point guard] to [wing] and coming off ball screens," he said. "Amir Coffey-style comparisons."
Now on a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Clippers, Coffey has found a place in the NBA as a rookie. Peterson watched some game film from Coffey's Gophers games to see where he could fit in with Pitino's system.
