What's up, Gophers fans?
Tubby Smith told reporters today that Ralph Sampson III will not play Saturday at Iowa after turning his ankle during Wednesday's practice.
Backup center Colton Iverson will start against the Hawkeyes. Smith said he'll probably bring in Paul Carter behind Iverson. He also said he's considered using 6-8 freshman Dominique Dawson, a freshman expected to redshirt.
"Ralph Sampson will be out with a sprained ankle," Smith said Friday morning. "He probably will not play at this juncture, but he's been getting treatment for the last couple days. Hopefully, he can get back."
-As players and coaches walked to the locker room following Friday morning's practice, freshman forward Royce White walked into Williams Arena with former Gophers star Willie Burton. Both Burton and White were carrying basketball gear, as they headed toward the visitor's locker room.
I know some of the former Gophers who gathered for the halftime celebration of the 1989-90 Elite Eight squad said they wanted to talk to White. And a number of them have followed through. White didn't say anything when he walked into the arena, but he threw up a peace sign toward some of the guys on the floor.
Smith said he saw White earlier in the week at a high school basketball game. White asked if he could start watching practice. Smith said he allowed White to watch Thursday's practice, but added that "nothing's changed" with his status.
Teammates said they were happy to see White at practice. Freshman guard Rodney Williams said he believes White will do what he has to do in order to rejoin the team.
