Gophers coach Richard Pitino said Friday that junior guard Amir Coffey practiced this week, which is a big step toward him being ready going into the 2018-19 season.
Coffey, who spent most of the summer recovering from February shoulder surgery, averaged 14 points, four rebounds and three assists last season, but he missed 14 games with injuries.
"Amir practiced the other day, so he's moving towards (a full recovery)," Pitino said. "When you bring him back, he's not 100 percent full go just yet. Until my trainer tells me they're 100 percent can do everything I consider them injured. But he's looking better."
Pitino's also encouraged by the progress of freshman center Daniel Oturu, who could be seen dunking on a Instagram video this week. Oturu is on schedule to be ready by the start of fall practice with the Gophers after being sidelined from reconstructive shoulder surgery in April. Summer practice ends Aug. 3.
"I think he's doing well," Pitino said . "We're winding down the summer and we'll get back up again in late August. I don't think he's far away."
The 6-foot-10 Oturu will be counted on for heavy minutes in the middle this season. Redshirt sophomore Eric Curry has practiced this summer, but he's not cleared for contact after missing last season with a knee injury.
New "balcony club" seats
Arguably the best view in Williams Arena for men's and women's Gophers basketball games is from the balcony seating, where members of the media have been sitting for, well, a very long time.
