ucag041608
On the homepage
Sunday's paper
Out There
9/11 trial
Outreach
Spring signing period begins; U plans on hold
The two men's basketball players the Gophers want remain undecided.
Print this story
E-mail this story
Save to del.icio.us
Share on Facebook
Share on Digg
Follow Myron on TwitterMore from Gophers
The Gophers aren't anticipating a lot of action on the first day of the national spring men's basketball signing period. That's because the two players that Minnesota wants to add to its next recruiting class -- point guard Verdell Jones III of Champaign, Ill., and center Krys Faber of Los Angeles -- haven't made up their minds.
Both Faber, who averaged 15.8 points and 17.5 rebounds for Ribet Academy last season, and Jones, a top recruit from Champaign Central, have the Gophers, along with a few other schools, at the top of their lists. And both players intend to make decisions in the near future.
Verdell Jones Jr. said Tuesday that his son might take a few more recruiting trips to Arizona and Virginia before making a final decision, but he likes Minnesota's coaching staff and enjoyed his trip to Minneapolis last fall. "I know he's fond of [coach] Tubby [Smith]," he said. "We're fond of Tubby."
Faber's high school coach, Willie Middlebrooks, said other schools, such as UCLA, continue to pursue the center, but the Gophers remain as one of his top choices. Faber recently visited DePaul and enjoyed the visit there, Middlebrooks said, but he will also wait to pick a school.
ACC/Big Ten Challenge field set
Minnesota's men's basketball team will face Virginia next season in the 10th annual ACC/Big Ten Challenge at Williams Arena Dec. 2. The Gophers are 3-1 against Virginia and 3-6 overall in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge.
The Gophers and Virginia have met twice previously in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge, most recently in 2003 when Virginia claimed an 86-78 victory. The Gophers defeated Virginia 74-62 in 1999.
Gophers coach Tubby Smith has an 0-1 career record against Cavaliers. The Gophers lost at Florida State Nov. 26 in last season's ACC/Big Ten Challenge matchup.
Recent Gophers stories
Brandon Summers, Kevin Smith lead Youngstown State to 30-18 win over Illinois State - April 15, 2008
Brandon Summers, Kevin Smith lead Youngstown State to 30-18 win over Illinois State - Brandon Summers threw two touchdowns and Kevin Smith rushed for another score as Youngstown State beat Illinois State 30-18 on Saturday. More
 Open House ShowcaseThousands of homes open this weekend!View all open houses >> View all homes for sale >>  Save Your $$ With CouponsDiscounts on services, entertainment, dining, gifts, and more. Start saving! |
Win tickets to see Brett Dennen at Pantages Theatre.Vita.mn presents Brett Dennen with Grace Potter and The Nocturnals at Pantages Theatre on Nov. 27. |
Comment on this story | Read all 12 comments | Hide reader comments