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ORIGINAL: Jim Frenette

Does Tubby have any commitments from any True PG's because Joseph isn't one

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ORIGINAL: TJSweens

Joseph is 2G playing point by default. I don't know how good or bad Cobbs really because frankly, Tubby's half court offense scheme's really suck. We better hope Devoe's younger brother comes here.

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ORIGINAL: Mr. Ed

Strib:


With the Gophers needing a miracle finish to get into the NCAA tournament, coach Tubby Smith told reporters Wednesday that he might start Colton Iverson and Ralph Sampson III when his team faces No. 14 Wisconsin Thursday night at Williams Arena.


He said either Lawrence Westbrook or Devoe Joseph would come off the bench in that scenario. Blake Hoffarber would likely move to point guard.


Smith used the Twin Towers lineup for the majority of the 2008-09 season but he's rarely employed the combo this season.


"We may, depends on how big, we'll probably look at Ralph and Colton in the lineup together," Smith said. "That's something that's starting to materialize as we go down [the stretch]. And I think a lot of it has to do with the teams that you're matched up against. Who can they guard and how much zone we play, how much man to man we play and how much we press. All those things will dictate."


Smith said the duo will help the team on the boards and allow both big men to play where they're most comfortable.


"I think they give us a high-low look that we haven't really had ... some real beef," he said. "Probably gives Ralph a chance to get away from the basket because he's more comfortable ... away from the basket. And Colton is more of a physical player inside. That's what I think we'll do. ... We've played them in practice some together but not much."
One source close to the team said the lineup switch might be the team's last shot to turn things around. "That might save us," he said.








Hoffarber probably will be OK offensively as a point. Is definitely, overall the best passer on this team (not saying much, given how terribly they pass).

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ORIGINAL: So.Mn.Fan

A win over the Badgers is always nice, no matter how badly the season has gone.

The Gophers have been missing that quality all season, but with a show of support for junior forward Paul Carter they found their groove, played with poise and hustled like they haven't in weeks.
"We saw some real solidarity, some real teamwork," coach Tubby Smith said.
The Gophers looked a lot like the close-cropped Badgers, literally, with freshly shaved heads to honor Carter's younger sister, Bria, who was recently diagnosed with cancer.
"Paul's a great leader. He's a very spiritual guy, a very emotional guy, so I think he really appreciated it," said Damian Johnson, who added 11 points.
Hoffarber, the nation's leading 3-point shooter, wasn't just camping out behind the circle as he sometimes does. He ran off screens and flashed to the lane a few times, too, and put himself in perfect position for some long rebounds.

Looks like Tubby can coach a little.
Putting Hoffarber on the move wasn't such a bad idea.

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ORIGINAL: Mr. Ed

Despite the positives, typical Westbrook. Vanished in the first half, no points.

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ORIGINAL: Jim Frenette

quote:

ORIGINAL: Mr. Ed

Despite the positives, typical Westbrook. Vanished in the first half, no points.

The disappearance of Westbrook was due to the Gophers going big for most of the night. That worked great. I think I saw the best game of Hoffarber. Usually his game consists of him making the 3's. Last night he was taking mid range jumpers and rebounding well. Playing like that will make him a better pro prospect

Johnson had a good game also. The senior leadership was there. Best game I've seen the Gophers play all year

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The student section had an edge, too, frequently mocking Badgers coach Bo Ryan with an obscene chant and tossing harmless objects at the handful of brave Wisconsin fans penetrating the sea of gold with their red wear.