- With just two games left in non-conference play, the Gophers are trying to do some final fine-tuning in preparation for Big Ten play, which starts Dec. 27. Coach Tubby Smith said as the team heads into Tuesday's game against Central Michigan, players will be focusing on better ball handling and guarding three-point shooters – two weaknesses that will burn the Gophers against tougher opponents if they don't improve. The team could again be without freshman guard Andre Hollins, who is still nursing a turned ankle.
Other notes from access:
Smith said the x-rays for Hollins' turned ankle came back negative, but still sounded unsure of whether the freshman would start Tuesday. "He's doing well," Smith said. "He ran a little yesterday. He's feeling more comfortable with it. There's going to be some soreness there, not always, but there is going to be soreness until he gets through this." Hollins sat out Saturday's game after tweaking the ankle Dec. 3 against USC. - Ralph Sampson III is starting to look more comfortable back in the starting lineup, said Smith, who noted the senior has been quieter and more reserved since returning. "Before he was a lot more talkative," Smith said. "I thought he was doing an outstanding job early in the season, then injuries and not being out there. But now he's back in his element … Being able to do things he hasn't done in awhile, I think that is going to give him the confidence to communicate better."
- Smith noted that Joe Coleman was the Gophers' most efficient player on Saturday with the minutes he had. Coleman scored 9 points, including a three pointer and six of eight free throw shooting, in 12 minutes and added two assists and two rebounds. "Joe is really coming along and playing well, that's why you're going to see him continue to get many opportunities" Smith said.
- Trevor Mbakwe pleaded guilty earlier today (link) to violating a 2009 restraining order. Mbakwe was arrested and charged in January for posting a message on an ex-girlfriend's Facebook "wall." The fifth-year senior was sentenced to a day in jail (which he already served) and a year of probation.
Another reminder of just how deep the Big Ten is this season came Saturday, when Indiana – which was picked to finish 9th in the preseason media poll – beat No. 1 Kentucky. The Gophers play at the Hoosiers on Jan. 12.
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