On the day he turned 23 – already getting "old" in NBA years – Trevor Mbakwe told members of media Tuesday that he is still contemplating a sixth-year return to the Gophers, if possible.
"It definitely wouldn't hurt coming back another year and playing with these guys, especially how this season is going," Mbakwe said. "I miss these guys and my family and I wouldn't mind playing with those guys for another year at all, even though I'd be really old."
Mbakwe, who suffered a season-ending torn ACL in November, also said he would value an extra season to show NBA scouts that his knee was healthy and that he could again play at a high level.
But of course there are pulls in the other direction as well. Mbakwe is a good enough player that some team could take a chance on him, even if he's not fully recovered. Doctors have said he will likely be able get back to basketball activities in June. And for a player who has more than just himself to think about, the decision is even tougher.
"Just the fact that I have a son --I have a family to take care of," Mbakwe said. "It's not easy being a college student with all the finances. It's a lifetime goal of mine. I had a great summer. I had a good season so far. Just getting that chance finally. I'll never turn down making money doing something I love."
The decision, of course, might be made for Mbakwe. The Gophers and Mbakwe can petition the NCAA to grant him another season of eligibility based on his injury, but the process -- which has not been started yet -- offers no guarantees.
