Minnesota coach Richard Pitino let the media watch part of practice again for the second time in Big Ten play tonight.

A few notes:

*We got to watch Davonte Fitzgerald for the first time on Monday as the Texas A&M transfer had a late class last time we were granted access. My sample size is small, but he certainly looks the part of being able to impact this team in a major way next year. Monday, he showed off a great-looking shot with good lift as well as athleticism under the basket, scoring at the rim a couple times including finishing off an alley oop. Pitino had him grouped with the guards and wings, further indicating that he'll play in the backcourt next year. His size, about 6-8, will be a real asset on the perimeter and he should be a lot more versatile than most of the 3-men the Gophers have had in the recent past.

*Reggie Lynch was at practice with a sling over his right shoulder, shooting baskets one-handed and cheering the team on. That's about the extent of what he'll be doing until August.

*After dribbling and shooting drills for the guards and rim defense and post scoring drills for the bigs, the Gophers got into their 3-on-3 sessions with a 23-second clock. Like last time out, the team had a lot of energy and good activity in these spurts with an emphasis placed on defending. "Early talk!" Ben Johnson shouted. After a couple of rounds forced some late-clock bad shots, Pitino yelled "That's good D!"

*Freshman Ahmad Gilbert's shooting touch is probably underrated at this point of his career. He was on point through most of practice on Monday and just has a pretty looking release. Next year, between him, Fitzgerald and incoming freshman Michael Hurt, the Gophers should improve at least somewhat from a shooting perspective. Gilbert's biggest problem might be over enthusiasm. After a couple of nice shots, the guard forced up one with hands in his face too early in a possession. "We need a better look than that," Pitino warned.