Liam Robbins and Brandon Johnson would play leading roles in helping the Gophers basketball team replace All-America and NBA draft pick Daniel Oturu this season.
At least that was the expectation Richard Pitino had until both transfers battled through injuries into the first game last week.
Pitino adapted with more of a big man-by-committee approach the first two games, but the Gophers (2-0) hope Robbins and Johnson continue to progress Monday in a rematch vs. Loyola Marymount.
"Physically they look pretty healthy, which is great," Pitino said. "But there are still some things like getting in shape. I think Brandon and Liam saw that foul trouble is going to put you on the bench. And you're not going to be able to get into a rhythm."
Johnson is an experienced and versatile 6-8 forward from Western Michigan. At Drake, Robbins had all the talent to be a go-to 7-footer who can stretch the floor and finish at the rim.
"I had an injury close to when our season started," Robbins said. "That didn't really help, but I felt good out there. It's just trying to get a feel out there on the court, especially with a new team."
Whether it's Jarvis Omersa, Eric Curry or Isaiah Ihnen, Pitino has looked to other frontcourt players to give the Gophers a spark when Robbins and Johnson are on the bench, especially in the first half of Saturday's 88-73 victory against LMU.
The Lions (1-1), who start 7-3 center Mattias Markusson, have overall size comparable to what the Gophers will face in the Big Ten. They made it tough for Pitino's team to compete physically in the paint once Robbins left the game early with foul trouble.