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While junior college transfer Carlos Morris may physically replace graduated senior Austin Hollins in the University of Minnesota's starting lineup, the role goes far beyond the title.

At Pitino's press conference marking the official start of fall practices for Minnesota (the Gophers play their first game six weeks from Friday), the coach indicated that while Morris has proven very capable in summer workouts and practices, there is still plenty for the newbie to learn.

"Austin was a great calming presence on the court," Pitino said. "You knew he was going to make the right rotation defensively, he was going to do the right thing, he was going to execute the right way. Carlos Morris doesn't quite understand that just yet, so he's got to figure that out. But we've had four or five practices so we expect him to be there eventually."

All the same, Pitino indicated that he's been impressed with Morris' play in the last few months. The incoming junior should contribute to a potentially faster, more athletic squad this year.

Competing with Morris for the starting role at small forward will be defensive-minded sophomore Daquein McNeil, who was one of the team's late-season pleasant surprises a year ago.

A few other notes from today press conference:

*Pitino said international freshman Gaston Diedhiou (who was denied admittance to Minnesota for at least the fall semester) will have the opportunity to retake the TOEFL English proficiency test and become eligible for the spring, but there is no known date yet. "I think we're pretty confident that he's moving in the right direction," Pitino said.

*Pitino said he still talks with Austin Hollins, who is currently under contract with a team in France, via text. Former Gopher Maverick Ahanmisi is currently playing in the Philippines. Malik Smith is still trying to get a contract. Currently, he's at home in Boston.

*The Gophers will hold an open scrimmage at the end of the month. The date and time is yet to be determined.