With the Gophers needing a miracle finish to get into the NCAA tournament, coach Tubby Smith told reporters Wednesday that he might start Colton Iverson and Ralph Sampson III when his team faces No. 14 Wisconsin Thursday night at Williams Arena.
He said either Lawrence Westbrook or Devoe Joseph would come off the bench in that scenario. Blake Hoffarber would likely move to point guard.
Smith used the Twin Towers lineup for the majority of the 2008-09 season but he's rarely employed the combo this season.
"We may, depends on how big, we'll probably look at Ralph and Colton in the lineup together," Smith said. "That's something that's starting to materialize as we go down [the stretch]. And I think a lot of it has to do with the teams that you're matched up against. Who can they guard and how much zone we play, how much man to man we play and how much we press. All those things will dictate."
Smith said the duo will help the team on the boards and allow both big men to play where they're most comfortable.
"I think they give us a high-low look that we haven't really had ... some real beef," he said. "Probably gives Ralph a chance to get away from the basket because he's more comfortable ... away from the basket. And Colton is more of a physical player inside. That's what I think we'll do. ... We've played them in practice some together but not much."
One source close to the team said the lineup switch might be the team's last shot to turn things around. "That might save us," he said.
