GOPHERS CLASS OF 2013

The Gophers men's basketball team is expected to sign two players to a national letter of intent during the early signing period, which starts Wednesday. Here is a look at both players, who are three-star recruits according to Rivals.com:

Alvin Ellis: The versatile Chicago wing will help fill the role vacated by Julian Welch, who graduates after this season. The 6-5, 185-pound Ellis, who chose the Gophers over Kansas State, Northwestern and Butler, averaged 16 points a game a year ago and is able to play all three perimeter positions.

Alex Foster: Ellis' former teammate is the most recent commitment and will help the Gophers with much-needed size next season after Trevor Mbakwe and Rodney Williams graduate. The 6-8, 200-pound forward is a good rebounder and has the frame to add more weight and muscle.

AMELIA RAYNO