Recent content from Chip Scoggins
Scoggins: Buckle up Wolves fans, it's going to be a very telling offseason
Whether it's making another seismic trade that shifts the NBA landscape or staying patient with the current core, Tim Connelly has some big decisions to make.
Scoggins: Finch's next challenge is to unleash the Wolves' youngsters
Terrence Shannon Jr., Jaylen Clark and Rob Dillingham are in varying states of readiness and will need spots in the coach's rotation.
Scoggins: Timberwolves learn just how far behind they are
The Wolves embarrassed themselves with the effort exhibited in Game 5, and the Thunder's players are both better and younger.
Scoggins: Chet Holmgren is in the right place at the right time
The Minneapolis native and his Oklahoma City Thunder are now in control of the Western Conference finals.
Chet Holmgren remains a basketball unicorn, a status forged in Minnesota and on display in the NBA
Guard skills developed as a youngster meld uniquely with his 7-1 height. That slender build? It'll never serve, except it always does.
Scoggins: Three observations from the Timberwolves' Game 2 loss
Is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander really getting fouled, or is he getting the benefit of the doubt?
Scoggins: Three observations from the Timberwolves' Game 1 loss
Oklahoma City rolled in the second half to take an early edge in the Western Conference finals.
Scoggins: Wolves halfway to their goal of 16 postseason wins
Unlike last season, Minnesota enters these conference finals feeling rejuvenated. They are fresh physically, recharged emotionally, and understand they're only halfway to a title.
Scoggins: Edwards' shoutouts are key to sustained success for Wolves
While TV personalities debate whether Edwards should be the new face of the NBA after taking out the stars, he insists on making sure teammates receive proper credit.
Scoggins: To win a title, the Wolves have the three most important pieces
Tim Connelly, Chris Finch and Anthony Edwards are excellent at their individual jobs and, when combined as a triumvirate, they serve as a spine that supports a winning operation.
Scoggins: Gophers' Greek connection could produce NCAA hammer throw title. But from which competitor?
Kostas Zaltos and his roommate, Angelos Mantzouranis, have two of the top throws in the world this year.
Scoggins: That look. Those eyes. Ant emerged from halftime ready to take over Game 4
The Wolves' superstar wasn't going to let his team lose, and he made that obvious as soon as he exited the locker room.
Scoggins: Wolves' Randle is building a great playoff run with his 'different tools'
Forward Julius Randle recorded the first postseason triple-double of his career in Game 3 at Golden State and has been stellar these playoffs.
Scoggins: Timberwolves' Game 3 win spins from willingness to get 'right down there in the mud with them'
Golden State, lacking top shooter Steph Curry, is making a strategy of mucking up matters. The visitors from Minnesota embraced the muckiness.
Scoggins: Warriors didn't miss a beat without Stephen Curry
When their shooting star was injured Tuesday, Golden State just turned on their 'championship DNA'
Scoggins: Wild, out of salary cap prison, must sign Kaprizov to long-term deal
After another first-round playoff exit, the team has no more Parise-Suter buyout excuses.
Scoggins: Two great players cannot overcome a very good team
Following the Wolves' demolition of the Lakers, they proved they're legit contenders because they can win in different ways, with different styles and versions of themselves.
Scoggins: Wild are familiar with playoff regret, but Game 5 loss is especially regrettable
After his team worked through errors, sluggishness and a goalie change, Gustav Nyquist earned a spot in Minnesota sports lore by going offside.
Scoggins: Redick's no-sub second half looked desperate, appears damaging
The Lakers coach couldn't trust his thin bench. The players he left out there said they weren't tired, but getting outscored 32-19 by the Wolves in the fourth quarter says they were.
Scoggins: Wild begin a test of resilience after sudden setback
Mistakes by Minnesota and, some will say, by the officials contributed. Players and coach John Hynes wisely put those matters aside postgame.
Scoggins: Jaden McDaniels never gets tired, and Timberwolves benefit greatly
McDaniels was a force at both ends as the Wolves beat the Lakers in Game 3 to take a 2-1 lead in the playoff series.
Scoggins: The Wild's young players are growing up, and we get to watch
Matt Boldy, Kirill Kaprizov, Brock Faber and Marco Rossi are playing key roles as Minnesota has taken a 2-1 playoff series lead over Vegas.
Scoggins: Vegas is the favorite in the series, but Wild have aces in the hole
Kirill Kaprizov's standout play and Filip Gustavsson's goaltending made a big difference in Game 2.
Scoggins: The area where shots get blocked serves as a proving ground for Wild
As Minnesota prepares to face Vegas in a first-round NHL playoff series, the defensemen know their pain will be appreciated.
Scoggins: Wolves must call on calm when the whistles favor the Lakers
Complicating the tests of emotional maturity Minnesota will face is the notion that the NBA and its officials want Los Angeles to advance.
Scoggins: After a sleepy start to the season, Twins are showing signs of life
The Twins played like an aggressive, fundamentally sound team Wednesday in a win over the New York Mets as Minnesota tries to climb out of an early hole.
Scoggins: Williams Arena needs to get a piece of its history back
It's time to move forward, in this era of college sports no longer operating under the guise of amateurism, and honor the past. The Gophers should let the 1997 Final Four banner hang from the Williams Arena rafters once more.
Scoggins: What you think you know about Chris Finch isn't close to who he truly is
There's the side of the Timberwolves coach that every fan sees, the one with a stern look on his face standing courtside. But there's also the side that enjoys life outside in the North Loop.
Scoggins: Hiring of Medved proves Coyle is serious about fixing a problem
The hiring process can be long and arduous, but AD Mark Coyle quickly zeroed in on Niko Medved and was willing to wait to get his guy.
Scoggins: Medved's homecoming signals new beginning for program fighting for footing
Gophers athletic director Mark Coyle knew that tugging at heartstrings without addressing purse strings might have left him with a mountain of regret.
Scoggins: St. Paul Harding delivers 'East Side pride' with inspiring boys basketball season
Despite a lopsided loss Tuesday in the state quarterfinals, the Knights made history — and a lot of new fans.
Scoggins: She plays D like the daughter of Secret Service agents ... because she is one
Kate Holmquist's job is an important one for Maple Grove's defensive strategy. Her parents can relate.
Scoggins: Gophers need a new commitment to basketball, not just a new coach
Gophers AD Mark Coyle must take full stock of the program, including a deteriorating Williams Arena.
Scoggins: Vikings' QB plan — to build a bridge to McCarthy — is playing out perfectly
The team could have been swayed by Sam Darnold's role in those 14 wins but wasn't. If the Aaron Rodgers chatter is only words, they've correctly stayed the course.
Scoggins: Despite health issues, Keenan's determination leads Chaska to state tournament
Chaska senior Ella Keenan has spent more time in doctors' offices than on the court this season, but her section semifinal buzzer-beater and season-long perseverance helped the Hawks reach the Class 4A girls basketball tournament.
Scoggins: Nobody ever says, 'We want to get to Mariucci'
The 7.7 miles that separate the Xcel Energy Center and 3M Arena at Mariucci stand as a boulevard of shattered dreams for Minnesota high school hockey players.
Scoggins: Word is the athletic director wants to build Gophers men's basketball. What does it mean for the coach?
People connected to the University of Minnesota say Mark Coyle plans to invest in the program. Does Ben Johnson get to come along?
How cultural changes are reshaping Minnesota high school sports
More than a dozen leaders across the state shared how their schools are creating new opportunities, dealing with change and working to make their athletic departments inclusive for populations old and new.
Why Bloomington Kennedy, St. Paul Johnson won't be the last Minnesota high school hockey teams to expire
The boys state tournament will bring another sweet statewide celebration. Meanwhile, hockey on the east sides of Bloomington and St. Paul and in several other communities struggles to survive as cultural changes sweep the state.
Scoggins: Wanna wrestle? You can't until they say you can
Meet the sharp-eyed, speedy medical professionals who keep participants in Minnesota's wrestling state tournament healthy.
Gymnasts of 'The Barn': Call them state champs — again
In Hendricks, Minn., a unique, border-crossing co-op is now a high school gymnastics dynasty.
Scoggins: What makes a good sports team owner? 'Be hands on, but hands off.'
Attention Marc Lore, Alex Rodriguez and whoever might be the next Twins owners. Pay attention what a dozen former pro athletes have to say about what makes a good team owner.
Scoggins: Jewish. Catholic. Muslim. How three Macalester hoopers became brothers
Badou Ba, Noah Shannon and Armando Akapo-Nwagbo shared a sport and a position and not much else when they met, but they will leave college as brothers for life.
Scoggins: Doesn't matter the competition, Heise plans to 'rip it up'
Coming from a basketball family, it was assumed Minnesota Frost star Taylor Heise would take to the hardwood. But hockey came into her life in first grade, and she never looked back.
Scoggins: Wild wonder why they trend up when they travel and sink into discomfort at home
It's not a subtle separation: They're the NHL's best road team but are .500 at Xcel Energy Center.
Scoggins: Whirlwind month ends with Luke Ryerse on campus at U as two-sport athlete
Ryerse's initial plan of finishing his spring semester of high school before joining both Gophers teams changed once he learned that enrolling in school early was a possibility.
Scoggins: Notre Dame coach Freeman finds inspiration from two close Minnesota friends
Ohio State linebackers coach James Laurinaitis and former Gophers safety Dom Barber remain good friends with the Notre Dame coach.
Scoggins: Vikings have three options at quarterback heading into the offseason
Speaking with media on Thursday, General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O'Connell wouldn't commit to a quarterback for next year.
Scoggins: Vikings roster has a core in place and a challenge surrounding it
The interiors of both lines require a rebuild, and the secondary is unsettled. Helpful for the team: General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has some salary-cap space.
Competitor. Comedian. Cool Dude. Baller. More than anything, the Vikings want Sam Darnold to be a winner.
Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold doesn't say much about himself. So we let his teammates and coaches say it all.
Scoggins: Darnold sounds calm and confident. Will he seem that way Monday?
About a week separated his best from his worst, and we can't claim to know which of those the Rams will see.
Scoggins: Time to change the rule so St. Thomas is NCAA tournament-eligible next year
The NCAA votes next Wednesday on a potential rule change that would shrink the Tommies' transitional period from five years to four.
Scoggins: 2024 Vikings at the top of most enjoyable experiences covering Minnesota sports
Seasons and bylines blur together over time, but every so often, a team stokes the fire with something wholly unexpected that sucks you completely into the moment — the 2024 Vikings have done that.
Scoggins: Kwesi Adofo-Mensah deserves recognition for Vikings surprise season
Adofo-Mensah deserves to be in the discussion for NFL Executive of the Year for constructing a roster that aligned with the coaching staff's wishes and vision during a perceived transition season.
Scoggins: Minnesota State Mankato keeps NCAA thrill ride rolling
The Mavericks won national titles in men's and women's basketball, and that was just the beginning.
Scoggins: Marriage for Darnold, Jefferson and Addison producing riveting results
Vikings QB Sam Darnold leads the NFL in completions of 20-plus yards, and his chemistry with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, paired with coach Kevin O'Connell's aggressive play-calling, is a treat for fans.
Scoggins: 12-team playoff is a gigantic leap forward … but not without flaws
One of college football's biggest hurdles has been its lack of parity at the top, but despite its issues, the 12-team playoff looks wide open. That stands as progress.
Scoggins: 'Disappointing day,' Kirk Cousins called it, but that certainly depends on your point of view
Vikings fans savored all the moments when their former quarterback failed and their current one, Sam Darnold, succeeded.
Teen balances life as high school football player — and reincarnated Buddhist lama
St. Anthony offensive lineman Jalue Dorjee deftly balances life as a teenager and reincarnated Buddhist lama recognized around the world.
MSU Mankato edges Bemidji State in dramatic Division II quarterfinal
Minnesota State Mankato has rallied from double-digit deficits in all three of its playoff victories and this time held on against Bemidji State with a fourth-down stop at the goal line.
Hey, the Wild are on top of the NHL. How did that happen?
Scoggins: The Wild, like the Vikings, are figuring out a way to be much better than we thought they'd be.
How handshakes and hellos conjured football playoffs magic
Football Across Minnesota: Coaches in Mankato reintroduced themselves to players for a fresh start. Two walk-off wins later, we can say: it worked.
Scoggins: He's Savior Sam now, in the latest iteration of the Vikings quarterback
For 2½ quarters, Sam Darnold was a flawed QB, as he has been known to be. His work after that? Is career-changing too strong a term?
Scoggins: Brosmer's gift to the Gophers is how he's allowed Fleck to evolve
"I had to change," Gophers coach P.J. Fleck said of his cautious offensive approach, which looked totally different in Friday's convincing victory at Wisconsin.
Scoggins: Gophers' season of toss-up games will largely be defined by Wisconsin outcome
A loss would drop the Gophers' record over the past two Novembers to 1-7, but a win would let them end a roller coaster regular season on a high note.
When this Minnesota town was fading, a barn helped give it hope
Gary and Sherri Johnson's barn has become Hendricks' barn, and gymnastics has become part of the town's fabric.
Football Across Minnesota: On comebacks, jump-cuts and a can't-lose coach
Read about Minnesota State Mankato's mini-miracle, Charles Langama's nifty moves and Chris Meidt's magical weekend.
Scoggins: Trick play to left tackle a regrettable decision for Gophers
Pass to Ersery did not work, the Gophers remained behind after a field goal and they never got the ball back.
Uncorked QBs smashing records all across Minnesota
Football Across Minnesota: 'Ground and pound' offenses are disappearing, replaced by record-setting quarterbacks at several Division II and III schools. Plus: prep stars, 8-2 Vikings and more.
Scoggins: What does Vikings' 8-2 record say about them?
The Vikings currently are tied for the fourth-best record in the NFL. Does that say more about them or the league? Does it matter? Enjoy it, Vikings fans.
Vikings defenders manage to show their best and their worst
Harrison Smith made a crucial interception, and people in purple dominated the line of scrimmage. But there was that 98-yard pass …
Scoggins: Vikings' O'Connell must crack the code of complicated puzzle
The team's offense has to get back on track, and that means finding a way to get the ball to Justin Jefferson.
Scoggins: Vikings' Smith is 'Hitman' on field and man of many talents off
A many of many talents, star safety Harrison Smith might be the most interesting man in the NFL — and he's a future Hall of Famer
Football Across Minnesota: Meet Cam, the can-do star from down south
One of the most exciting players coming to Minneapolis for Semifinal Week is Cam Hungerholt, the do-it-all star of LeRoy-Ostrander. He can run, throw, tackle, score … and ace that quiz on Monday morning.
Scoggins: Getting even meant getting two picks vs. Edina
Maple Grove defensive back Brayden Dozier had two interceptions Thursday, one year after getting picked on by the Hornets in a playoff loss.
