The Gophers will probably play without a pair of starters during Monday's matchup against Virginia at Williams Arena, part of the Big Ten/ACC Challenge. Another contributor might compete for the first time this season.

Gophers starting point guard Al Nolen (9.2 points ppg, 4.2 apg, 2.8 spg) could miss "a few weeks" with a foot injury and Rodney Williams (6.7 ppg) is "doubtful" due to an ankle sprain suffered in Wednesday's victory over North Dakota State, Tubby Smith said Saturday morning.

Devoe Joseph, who has missed the team's first six games due a violation of team rules, could make his season debut against Virginia. Smith said he will determine Joseph's status before Monday's game.

"Al Nolen has some problems with his feet right now, I'm not sure exactly what it is... it's not really a stress fracture. They want to watch him and get him off his feet for awhile," Smith said. "I'm not sure how long that will be, maybe a couple weeks or longer. So he's out. Rodney Williams turned his ankle the other day in the game. He hasn't really practiced. He's doubtful. ... Maybe he'll be ready by Monday. So at this point in time we're not sure who will be our [starters]."

Smith said he hasn't made a decision about Joseph, who led the Gophers to the Big Ten tournament championship game in March. He said he will evaluate Joseph's academic progress over the weekend.

"We're not sure if he'll be available to us on Monday," Smith said. "We'll make a decision about that on Monday, about his status. But otherwise we're doing OK."

Smith added: "I've just got to look at some things ... some academic things he's got to finalize. So hopefully he's got it done. I know he's been working hard on it. And I know he's anxious to get back out here. And we're anxious to have him back. But he's only going to be back if he takes care of all his business."

Smith said freshman point guard Maverick Ahanmisi and freshman wing Austin Hollins might replace Nolen and Williams in the starting lineup. Joseph will not start Monday, Smith said.