Brent Yarina, BTN.com Senior Editor, April 2, 2014

Minnesota didn't make the NCAA tourney, but it compiled one of the better seasons in team history. The Gophers set a record for wins in a single season (25) on their way to claiming their third NIT crown. Not bad for a team with a first-year coach and a revamped roster from a team that won a game in the NCAA tourney a season ago.

Speaking of the first-year coach, Pitino gave a tremendous locker room speech to his players, which you can watch above.

One of his biggest messages? That would be this:

"Do not let anybody tell you that this isn't a big deal. Do no let anyone tell this is not a big deal, because they will remember you guys for the rest of your life."

Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports