There’s always a silver lining whenever any starter gets hurt. Just ask Matt Cassel. Losing Damian Johnson for four to six weeks because of a broken left hand shouldn’t hurt Minnesota too much because he should be back in time for their big games against Virginia (Dec. 2) and Louisville (Dec. 20). Johnson’s injury also gives the Gophers a chance to evaluate Ralph Sampson III and assess how prepared he may or may not be to play significant minutes during conference play. He’s already made a lot of progress in the few months he’s been here.

It’s clear that Sampson, a freshman, needs to spend some time in the weight room. But as his body grows, so should his game. In the mean time, he’ll earn a lot of minutes at the power forward spot and give Minnesota a different look on the defensive end. But if he can employ the baby hook and face-up jumper he’s used in the few practices that I’ve watched so far, he might stay in the starting rotation once Johnson returns. Imagine a lineup of Al Nolen, Lawrence Westbrook, Paul Carter, Ralph Sampson III and Jon Williams being replaced by a lineup of Devoe Joseph, Blake Hoffarber, Devron Bostick, Damian Johnson and Colton Iverson. That’s a good rotation. And nothing suggests that Johnson will be less effective off of the bench. He started just six games last season.

But, it’s on Sampson to prove that he can play at a high level. He’s already shown how tough he is and earned the respect of his teammates. After Saturday’s practice, Johnson had severe cramps and was taken to the hospital, where he was given IV fluids. But Sampson returned to practice Sunday morning and removed any “soft” label that may have been placed on him before that.

-There have been some recent rumblings suggesting that Trevor Mbakwe is set to commit to the Gophers. But I got in touch with him last night and he told me that he hasn’t made a decision yet. The 6-7 forward who played at Henry Sibley and Marquette before transferring to Miami-Dade Community College for the upcoming season would add a much-needed physicality to a nationally ranked Gophers recruiting class.

-The Gophers have had to deal with a few minor knee injuries early on. Lawrence Westbrook, Damian Johnson and Jon Williams have all been bothered by knee ailments recently.

-Minnesota coaches are doing more research on a new practice facility. Coaches have recently visited various schools around the country to learn more about their practice facilities. Joel Maturi said recently that a practice facility won’t happen for awhile, but he also said that Smith understands that. But it doesn’t hurt to look around.

-Rumor has it that former Gophers center Spencer Tollackson has been hired by the Big Ten Network. Tollackson signed a contract with a professional German team after his senior year, but he didn’t like the experience, so he returned home.

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