It will be a year ago this coming Friday that Gophers freshman forward Maurice Walker injured his right knee against South Dakota State. Walker missed the rest of the season because of a torn posterior cruciate ligament and meniscus, and he’s yet to play this fall.
Coach Tubby Smith told Sports Headliners he is uncertain when the 6-foot-10, 289-pound Canadian will play again. “We don’t have one (a timeline),” Smith said. “Every day he’s getting better. He’s working out now. He’s doing some running with some drills. …We just want to take it along slow.”
Smith said there’s a possibility of Walker playing this season but more evaluation will be made after Christmas. With the inconsistent play of 6-11 Ralph Sampson III and 6-11 Elliott Eliason, the Gophers could certainly use Walker’s size.
Walker averaged 3.7 points and 2.8 rebounds for the Gophers in 12 games last season. He’s a three time member of the Canadian Junior National Team.
Meanwhile, the Gophers (11-1) end their nonconference schedule on Thursday night at home against North Dakota State (8-2), a team that lost by three points at Arizona State and lists seven Minnesotans on the roster. The Bison will be looking forward to the game and a possible upset.
Smith is happy with his team through 12 games. “I am fired up,” he said. “I like our kids. I like the way they’re playing. They really, I think, genuinely enjoy each other’s company. They all have the passion, the competitiveness, but now they’re starting to play for one another. That’s something I was really concerned about. Because you get guys, and you gotta get them to be willing to play (together). You gotta get them to be willing to sacrifice some things. We got very unselfish players. …”
Smith said there is no update regarding progress to fund and build a new practice facility adjacent to Williams Arena. Minnesota and Northwestern are the only schools in the Big Ten Conference without such a facility. The Minnesota facility will be used by both the men’s and women’s teams, and ease the use of Williams Arena for practice while providing a more attractive venue to show recruits.