RICHARD COFFEY

I'm very happy about these additions to the project.  The Clem Haskins-coached Minnesota Gophers teams that went to the Sweet Sixteen in 1989 and the Elite Eight in 1990 are probably more responsible than anyone else for turning me into a basketball fan.

Richard Coffey was the defensive backbone of those teams.  To use a hockey term, he was their grinder.  While Willie Burton, Kevin Lynch, Melvin Newbern, and Walter Bond were getting the buckets, Coffey was cleaning the glass and was arguably the team's true leader.  I don't think he had anything close to an NBA game, but it was pretty awesome to see him get a cameo with the young Timberwolves during their second season in 1990-91.