The Gophers men's basketball team faces an early setback as they prepare for their season opener against Oral Roberts. Head coach Ben Johnson revealed that potential starting big man Frank Mitchell will be sidelined due to a shoulder injury sustained in a recent exhibition game. This development poses a challenge for the Gophers, who must now adjust their lineup and game plan to compensate for Mitchell's absence.

Navigating Injury Concerns and Lineup Adjustments

Shoulder Injury Sidelines Key Frontcourt Player

Frank Mitchell, a 6-8, 260-pound junior transfer from Canisius, has been a significant addition to the Gophers' roster. Last season, he averaged an impressive 12.1 points and 11.6 rebounds, the latter of which ranked him fourth in Division I. Mitchell's presence in the frontcourt, alongside All-Big Ten preseason forward Dawson Garcia, was expected to provide a formidable duo for the Gophers.However, during a recent exhibition win over Hamline, Mitchell suffered a dislocated right shoulder after diving for a steal at midcourt. While he won't require surgery, his status is considered week-to-week, according to coach Johnson. "It's seeing how much strength he can get back in the shoulder," Johnson said. "It could be realistic for next week, so we'll see how he feels."

Adjusting the Lineup and Rotation

With Mitchell sidelined for the season opener, the Gophers will need to adjust their lineup and rotation to compensate for his absence. Coach Johnson indicated that the minutes in the post rotation will likely be filled by a combination of 6-8 senior Parker Fox, 6-8 sophomore Kadyn Betts, and 6-10 senior newcomer Trey Edmonds, who transferred from Texas San Antonio.Betts, who had primarily been used as a reserve wing last season, will now have an opportunity to slide over and get extended playing time in the frontcourt. "Now you're able to slide KB over a little bit and get him some extended run," Johnson said. "Thankfully, if we're going to have injuries, have it early. You can go small and give other guys looks."

Potential Advantages and Challenges

The Gophers' upcoming opponent, Oral Roberts, has only one player taller than 6-8 on its roster, which could mitigate the impact of Mitchell's absence. "The good part in the nonconference with size is sometimes it's hard when you play two bigs," Johnson said. "Some of these teams will go small-ball to try to match it."However, the Gophers will still need to find ways to compensate for Mitchell's contributions, particularly on the boards. Last season, his 11.6 rebounds per game ranked him fourth in Division I, and his presence in the paint was a significant factor in the Gophers' success.

Embracing the Opportunity for Growth

Despite the setback, coach Johnson sees this as an opportunity for other players to step up and showcase their abilities. "Thankfully, if we're going to have injuries, have it early," he said. "You can go small and give other guys looks."The Gophers will need to rely on their depth and versatility to overcome Mitchell's absence, and this could open the door for players like Betts and Edmonds to make a bigger impact. As the team navigates this challenge, they will undoubtedly be looking to build momentum and chemistry ahead of their conference schedule.