Gophers forward Davonte Fitzgerald will have two more years of eligibility after being awarded a sixth year for medical purposes by the NCAA.

Fitzgerald, a 6-8 former Texas A&M transfer, was expected to be a senior next season. But he received back the year he lost with the Gophers because of a torn anterior cruciate ligament in October.

He was expected to play a major role as a junior last season after sitting out 2015-16. But he suffered the second major knee injury of his career during fall practice. He missed the 2016-17 season but made a full recovery.

Gophers coach Richard Pitino told the Star Tribune that Fitzgerald is scheduled to be cleared for full contact in June. "He is a terrific member of our basketball program and deserves some good fortune," the coach said in a statement. "I am so happy for Davonte and can't wait to get him back on the court."

Fitzgerald suffered his first knee injury during his freshman season at Texas A&M in 2013-14 and missed the final 10 games. He played in backup role in 25 games for the Aggies in 2014-15. He averaged 5.3 points and 1.9 rebounds in his two seasons as an Aggie.

MARCUS FULLER

Suggs vying for spot on U16 U.S. team

Freshman Jalen Suggs of Minnehaha Academy is among 24 teenagers who will be competing for a spot on the USA U16 basketball team that will play next month in the FIBA Americas championship in Argentina.

The 12-member team will be chosen during training camp from June 1-10 at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Suggs, a point guard, regarded as one of the nation's top freshmen, helped lead his high school team to the Class 2A state championship.

STAFF REPORT

Hamline shortstop honored

Hamline senior shortstop Mary-Clare Couillard was named to to the CoSIDA academic All-America first team in softball. She hit .391 this past season.