U. Minnesota men’s basketball junior Trevor Mbakwe’s trial, which was set to begin July 26, has been moved back yet again to Aug. 23 due to a conflict with the judge’s schedule.
Mbakwe is facing charges of felony assault from an alleged incident that occurred last April in Miami and has yet to suit up for the Gophers. Last month, Mbakwe said that if his trial was delayed again and Minnesota Athletics Director Joel Maturi doesn’t lift his ban from playing, “most likely I will for sure leave [the Gophers].”
Maturi told the Pioneer Press last week he may lift the ban and let Mbakwe play next season, even if charges are still pending. Mbakwe was able to redshirt last season, but Maturi reasoned that continuing to suspend him as his trial remains unresolved could cost Mbakwe a year of eligibility. He has two years of eligibility left.
In May, Maturi and head coach Tubby Smith granted Mbakwe permission to explore his transfer options.
“It’s my understanding that as a defendant, he has a right to a quick trial,” Maturi told the Pioneer Press. “I’ve shared that with Trevor … If it’s now Aug. 23, then it could still be resolved before school starts. If not, then I’m certainly open to review why it is not and look at the decision that was made.”
Incoming women’s basketball player leaves team
Incoming freshman guard Janelle Cannon left the Minnesota women’s basketball team for personal reasons, the team announced this week.
Cannon led Wheeling High School in Illinois to a 26-5 record in 2009-2010.
Tinsley appears in court
Minnesota junior linebacker Gary Tinsley appeared in Hennepin County District Court last week on charges of fleeing a police officer and fourth-degree drunken driving. Another hearing is scheduled for Aug. 4.
In April, Tinsley was spotted by police driving the wrong way on a one-way street along with another individual on their mo-peds in southeast Minneapolis. The officers pursued Tinsley and the individual, who drove their mo-peds on sidewalks and yards until attempting to flee on foot.
After all three of the Gophers starting linebackers graduated at the end of last season, Tinsley was expected to make a big impact on the Gophers’ young defense. Minnesota head coach Tim Brewster said in April that he likely won’t make a decision on Tinsley’s status with the team until the legal process has taken its course.
Gophers hockey recruit suffers wrist injury
Ben Marshall, a member of the Minnesota men’s hockey team’s 2011 recruiting class and the Detroit Red Wings’ seventh-round pick in last month’s NHL entry draft, tore ligaments in his wrist during an NHL development camp last week, according to the Red Wings.
“I guess I have ligaments that are torn off some bones, and I might have fractured my growth plate,” he said, according to the team’s website.
Marshall is forgoing his senior year of high school to play in the United States Hockey League with the Omaha Lancers, and he’s scheduled to move to Omaha on Aug. 7.
“The season doesn’t start till Sept. 1, so I’m sure I’ll be fine by then, hopefully,” he said.
Marshall won’t know what the extent of his injury is until he sees doctors in Minnesota, but he said he’s sure he’ll need surgery.
Tank leaves for Iowa State
Former Minnesota men’s golf associate head coach Andrew Tank was named the new head coach for the Iowa State men’s golf team last week.
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead a program that I believe in,” Tank said in a statement. “I have always followed the Cyclones and after meeting with the administration and others on campus, my belief in the program is now even stronger.”
Tank was a coach for the Gophers for eight years and was the captain of the 2002 Minnesota men’s golf team that won the NCAA championship.
Football team lands handful of new recruits
The Minnesota football team gained several verbal commitments for the class of 2011, as first reported by Rivals.com.
Edina wide receiver Devin Crawford-Tufts , linebacker Marquise Vann, and twin offensive lineman Kyle and Luke McAvoy will all join the Gophers in 2011.
Men’s swimming adds four
Four newcomers will join the men’s swimming and diving team for the 2010 season, Minnesota head coach Dennis Dale announced Monday.
Incoming freshmen Danny Brebrick and Stephen Meyer have signed Acceptance of Admission forms to join the team next season. North Dakota transfer Nathan Jobe and College of New Jersey transfer Mike Vernoia will also join Minnesota after spending the past two seasons at their respective colleges.