Oturu ahead of schedule in injury rehab

Despite not being cleared for summer practice yet, Gophers top incoming recruit and freshman center Daniel Oturu showed signs last week that he's ahead of schedule in his recovery from shoulder surgery.

Last Wednesday, fellow freshman Gabe Kalscheur posted a video on his Instagram of Oturu throwing down an emphatic dunk at the U's Athletes Village practice court. It was the same right shoulder he had surgery on.

So it certainly looks like he's back.

Team doctors, though, are expected to clear Oturu in a couple weeks, Gophers coach Richard Pitino said recently.

Oturu had reconstructive surgery on his right shoulder in April, but the talented young big man should officially be ready once players return for the fall semester in late August.

"He's chomping at the bit," Pitino said of Oturu. "He thinks he's ready to go. He's excited."

MARCUS FULLER