In another potentially devastating blow to the program, Gophers forward Trevor Mbakwe is expected to seek a release from his scholarship this week and consider a transfer to another school, according to persons with knowledge of the situation.
Mbakwe, who didn't play during the 2009-10 season due to unresolved legal issues, met with Tubby Smith Sunday to discuss his desire to explore his basketball options, according to the sources. Smith was sympathetic to Mbakwe's situation, although he expressed his desire to keep Mbakwe on the roster, the sources said. Mbakwe has maintained that he's innocent. There's still a chance that Mbakwe will remain with the program, the persons with knowledge of the situation said. Mbakwe is scheduled to go to trial on a felony assault charge next month but he believes his trial will be delayed again, which might jeopardize his status for next season, they said. The Gophers can't lose Mbakwe. They've lost Royce White. They've lost Paul Carter. They couldn't sign Cory Joseph. Good thing for the Gophers, I don't think this is a done deal. We'll see what happens in the coming days.
