Minnesota Scene: Gophers' Davonte Fitzgerald gets second year of eligibility back

By Staff and News Services

May 24, 2017 at 12:58AM

Gophers forward Davonte Fitzgerald will have two more years of eligibility after being awarded a sixth year for medical purposes by the NCAA.

Fitzgerald, a 6-8 former Texas A&M transfer, was expected to be a senior next season. But he received back the year he lost with the Gophers because of a torn anterior cruciate ligament in October.

He was expected to play a major role as a junior last season after sitting out 2015-16. But he suffered the second major knee injury of his career during fall practice. He missed the 2016-17 season but made a full recovery.

Gophers coach Richard Pitino told the Star Tribune that Fitzgerald is scheduled to be cleared for full contact in June. "He is a terrific member of our basketball program and deserves some good fortune," the coach said in a statement. "I am so happy for Davonte and can't wait to get him back on the court."

Fitzgerald suffered his first knee injury during his freshman season at Texas A&M in 2013-14 and missed the final 10 games. He played in backup role in 25 games for the Aggies in 2014-15. He averaged 5.3 points and 1.9 rebounds in his two seasons as an Aggie.

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Suggs vying for spot on U16 U.S. team

Freshman Jalen Suggs of Minnehaha Academy is among 24 teenagers who will be competing for a spot on the USA U16 basketball team that will play next month in the FIBA Americas championship in Argentina.

The 12-member team will be chosen during training camp from June 1-10 at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Suggs, a point guard, regarded as one of the nation's top freshmen, helped lead his high school team to the Class 2A state championship.

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