Freshman Wally Ellenson broke his left hand in practice Friday and is expected to be out at least six to eight weeks, Gophers basketball coach Tubby Smith said Wednesday.
Smith said the team would further evaluate the situation but could considering redshirting the guard.
"He was playing well, and he probably wasn't going to be, but it's going to be something that we're going to probably consider at this juncture," Smith said.
Ellenson, a 6-6, 210-pound wing from Rice Lake, Wis. was injured during a rebounding drill, when his hand caught in a teammate's jersey and bent backward.
Fellow freshman Charles Buggs sprained an ankle early on in practices, but the 6-8 forward only missed a few days and is expected to play in Thursday's exhibition game against Minnesota State Mankato, Smith said.
Injuries have been a major factor in the Gophers' lackluster performances over the past couple of seasons.
"I just don't want to get started with injuries this early but it's something that we've had," Smith said.
AMELIA RAYNO
