Get the latest inside information on Gophers basketball. Myron P. Medcalf has covered Gophers basketball since the 2007-08 season, meaning both he and Tubby Smith were rookies that year - kind of. He joined the Star Tribune in 2005, the same year he graduated from Minnesota State Mankato. (Go Mavericks!) He’s also worked for ESPN the Magazine and ESPN.com as a freelancer and intern.

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Second/final exhibition another chance for young guys to shine

Last update: November 9, 2009 - 6:48 PM

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We're about 30 minutes away from tipoff in Minnesota's second and final exhibition against MSU-Moorhead.

The Gophers showed off their rare athleticism against Minnesota-Duluth Thursday.

Even without Trevor Mbakwe, Royce White and Devron Bostick, the Gophers are still a tough squad.

While that trio sits, it's a good opportunity for Minnesota's two other newcomers to prove that they can compete at the Division I level.

Rodney Williams Jr. was impressive with 11 points, two blocks and two steals against the Bulldogs. Williams also went 2-for-3 from the three-point line. I don't know exactly how Tubby Smith will use him this year, but he'll help, especially with his ability to defend against bigger players.

Justin Cobbs is a speedy freshman who had four points, five assists and just one turnover in his first unofficial game with the Gophers. Right now, Cobbs is Minnesota's third point guard behind Devoe Joseph and Al Nolen. But Joseph will eventually move over to shooting guard fulltime. And I think Cobbs will be a solid change-of-pace floor leader.

Tonight's matchup against MSU-Moorhead is another opportunity for both guys to get some quality minutes before the real season begins Friday.

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