So this is how it all begins ... UMD-Minnesota tonight at 7 p.m.

It wasn't supposed to start out this way.

Minnesota kicks off the season in an exhibition against Minnesota-Duluth at 7 p.m. at Williams Arena.

The Gophers have one of the most talented teams in the program's history, after Tubby Smith signed one of the top recruiting classes in the country.

The addition of Trevor Mbakwe, a 6-8, 240-pound forward, meant that the Gophers would finally have their first true power forward under Smith.

In Royce White, the Gophers picked up an extremely talented forward with the kind of skill set that most guys at the Division I level don't have.

But Mbakwe, who has always said he's not guilty of the felony assault charge he's facing, won't suit up until his legal case is resolved in Miami. The junior could go to trial next month as scheduled, get acquitted and be back in a Gophers uniform in time for Big Ten play. He could also miss the rest of the year. There are no guarantees.

White was arrested a few weeks ago for shoplifting and fifth-degree assault at the Mall of America. He's suspended indefinitely, too.

When it's all said and done, folks, White, Mbakwe and Bostick might comprise some of the university's greatest success stories.

If Mbakwe's innocent, his legal situation could be cleared up in a matter of weeks.

If White doesn't face any legal ramifications from his Oct. 13 incident and he proves to Smith that he understands the severity of his behavior and he shows signs that he's matured, he'll probably play soon, too.

My guess is that White will be back in time for the 76 Classic, if he meets Smith's demands.

I don't know what Bostick did, so I can't say how long he'll be out. But with all of the work he needed to do to break into a very deep rotation, this certainly doesn't help.

So I'm not writing about the troubles of this Gophers basketball team without firsthand knowledge of some of the challenges these athletes are facing.

I understand that these young players have some things to overcome, the same way I did.

That said, there are certain risks that Smith took when he assembled his most recent crew of newcomers.

I think White's situation speaks to that.

When you cross over into criminal behavior, misdemeanor or not, you're talking about activities that land young men and women in jail every day, let alone allow them to maintain an athletic scholarship.

It's impossible for any true Gophers fan, observer, supporter or writer to ignore the happenings of the last four days and their potential impact on Minnesota's men's basketball this season.

White and Mbakwe are the difference-makers. Without them, Minnesota will essentially field its 2008-09 team. Nothing wrong with that. Those guys went to the Big Dance.

But I believe this is a team that can make a serious run in the Big Dance and compete for a Big Ten title with Mbakwe and White on the roster.

They're both out right now. And there's no true timetable for their return.

Projected starters for Thursday night's exhibition against Minnesota-Duluth

SG Lawrence Westbrook (Devoe Joseph?)

SF Damian Johnson (Paul Carter?)

PF Colton Iverson (Damian Johnson?)

C Ralph Sampson III (Colton Iverson?)

5 Keys to the Game for the Gophers

-It's easy to get trigger-happy in these games. Don't.

-Pace yourselves, especially with three guys out.

-Go to the big men early and often.

-Limit turnovers because that's how upsets happen.

What to watch for?

2. Will Paul Carter step up in the absence of White and Mbakwe?