Williams out tonight, Johnson set to return soon
Posted on November 6th, 2008 – 12:44 PMBy Myron Medcalf
Sources told me Thursday morning that senior center and co-captain Jonathan Williams will miss tonight’s 7 p.m. exhibition against Division II Northern State at Williams Arena. Team officials were awaiting the results of an MRI Wednesday to determine the severity of a groin injury that Williams suffered recently.
I was also told that projected starting forward Damian Johnson could return to action in a week-and-a-half. Johnson was expected to miss four to six weeks with a broken left hand. But the team probably won’t try to bring Johnson back too soon, especially with a slate of easy opponents at the start of the season, although I’m hearing more and more about Georgia State’s talent pool (five Division I transfers who sat out last season). I’m not sure how long Williams will be out. But these young guys are going to have to grow up fast.
Freshman Colton Iverson, juco transfer Paul Carter, junior Travis Busch and senior Jamal Abu-Shamala will have to lock down the post tonight and potentially into the near future, as a result of the early injuries. Tubby Smith said Wednesday that Ralph Sampson III missed part of Wednesday’s practice because of a high fever and will not start tonight.
-Here are my projected starters for tonight’s game: G Al Nolen, G Lawrence Westbrook, F Paul Carter, F Travis Busch and C Colton Iverson.
-Northern State’s no pushover, especially for a team that struggled against St. Cloud State. Winona State, last season’s Division II national champs, was the only team that beat the Wolves last season. And preseason All-American and the Northern Sun’s preseason player of the year Kevin Ratzsch is a proven talent. He dropped 12 points against Marquette last season. But Northern State lost some scorers from a year ago, but they were picked to finish second in their conference in this season’s preseason poll.
20 Responses to "Williams out tonight, Johnson set to return soon"
That’s a lot of buts Myron. I think the South Dakota team will be a little awestruck, but who knows. Look for Colton Iverson to show something tonight. He grew up several hours south of the Northern team’s home, Aberdeen S.D., and played many games there in his high school years. He’ll want to show the people back home what he can do! !
Could you learn to write please? You are a horrible writer. How did you ever get that job?
Please use better headings… There are a lot of Williams and a lot of Johnsons.
Myron - I appreciate your work! As a U of M Alumni and former Gopher Basketball student season ticket holder (dating back to 1998-1999 Clems last season) it’s so enjoyable to read about the squad. ONE QUESTION: Do you see Colton or Ralph III turning into anything like Joel Pryz? We haven’t had a dominant big man since. Thanks!
Gentlemen, if you FOLLOWED the squad, wouldn’t you think you’d know who Williams and Johnson were? Get a clue…
Keep it up Myron. I like your blog and read it often. Kwahl and Eric wish they had your job…but don’t! Northern State has always had a team that could flat out score. Mike Miller’s older brother used to drop 40 or 50 some nights. It will be a good game but the Gophers depth should get the W!
Good read and info - keep it coming. I am in Simi Valley (Wood Ranch), So Cal, and rely on the StarTrib and you for info. I do access various sites and sources but your “inside” info and opinions are of value. Thank you!
hey kwahl, why don’t you STFU?
Myron, thanks for the continued great reporting; your blog is required reading for true fans of Gopher hoops. To paraphrase Judge Smails in Caddyshack, the world needs bottom feeders like KWahl too.
Myron, you’re the man! I love your blog and check it every day. I’m not sure with what kwahl and Eric have a problem. By the way, Eric: there should be a comma after “write”. Those who live in glass houses…
MikeO and JamieH are the same person,and I strongly suspect the other supporting posts may be written by the same person!
I agree with kja. Lots of Myron using names and padding himself on the back to try and build interest despite the fact that he’s awful. Nobody gets this much love on this type of random stuff.
Hey Myron,
Gopher fan from Mpls, but out of state for 15 yrs now, currently in South Carolina. I appreciate your column. Check it daily. Keep up the good work.
Looking forward to an exciting season and a return to prominence in the Big 10 for Tubby and the Gophers.
Hey Myron How are You?
I love what you do!
You are awesome!
This is great!
All I do is read your stuff!
EVERYDAY
Ive been a Gopher fan for 76 years now out here in Bolivia.
I check your stuff every day
And change my name every day
Hey Kwahl, Does Myron come down to Burger King and tell you how to do your job? Get a clue.
Myron is a hack and some of his bias are really easy to pinpoint if you read his story AND actually see the games he writes about.
That being said, he has improved a little from last season (especially by posting on his blog on a regular basis). If you want unbiased reporting on the Gophers, check out Marcus Fuller at PP. If you want that biased hack style of reporting (read: fanatic hater) then Myron’s your guy.
Take it easy Eric M. Kwahl makes a mean Whopper. Myron would have nothing to complain about.
Here’s Myron ordering that Whopper:
I want a Whopper. But I don’t want cheese. But I don’t want lettuce either. But I do want mayo, but on the side. But can you make that to go…
This order is for Myron-Nate-Mark-Jamie-Mike Medcalf. Please drive through.
Wow boys! Keep it to BB…keep it positive…and know what you’re talking about. “GET YOUR HEAD IN THE GAME”
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