Walker could be back on his feet soon (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Mo Walker returns to practice; Andre Hollins still questionable for starting Thursday
After a long layoff, the Gophers were able to get guys healthier, but the team is still not quite at full strength heading into their last non-conference game.
December 22, 2011 at 5:28PM
The Gophers have one game left in the non-conference schedule and one game left to bolster their strengths and tweak their weaknesses before grueling Big Ten play. The team has had a full week to start working on those things and getting players healthy, but coach Tubby Smith the team will probably still not be at full strength in Thursday's home game against North Dakota State.
Some notes from today's access:
- Smith said Mo Walker has been working out with the team over the break and he is "almost fully engaged now." There is still no timetable for his return – before this week, Walker had not participated in any basketball-related activities for a year.
- Andre Hollins' ankle is getting better, but is still tender, Smith said. The coach sounded unsure of whether the freshman – who has been practicing over the break, but has had a hard time warming up the ankle – will start tomorrow.
- Ralph Sampson III continues to get stronger and healthier from a November ankle injury, but Smith said he doesn't think the center is completely back yet. Sampson is still expected to start tomorrow.
- Over the break, Smith said the team spent extra time on ball handling and shooting, two of the things they've struggled with early.
- Trevor Mbakwe's surgery has been scheduled for sometime after Christmas, Smith said. The fifth-year senior had to wait for the swelling to go down and has been lifting to strengthen the muscles around the tear. Once the surgery is completed, Mbakwe and the team will have to determine what comes next. Mbakwe – who graduates in December – would have to meet certain NCAA restrictions (taking classes, etc) to stay a part of the team.
- Check out this French-made video on former Gopher Blake Hoffarber's first experiences as a pro in Europe (including a phone call from fellow former Gopher Dan Coleman).
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In Thursday night Class 4A semifinals, it's Lakeville North vs. Maple Grove at 6 p.m. followed by Hopkins vs. Eastview.
