BleedGopher
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per Marcus:
Now that Garcia is officially playing at the Barn this season, Gophers second-year coach Ben Johnson likes all the lineup options with the versatile junior forward alongside the 6-7 sharpshooting Battle, last season's leading scorer and rebounder.
"He gives you that versatility," Johnson said of Garcia. "He can stretch you out to three. He can make plays off the catch and shoot it. He's a good ball handler and willing passer. He's got really good versatility and happens to be 6-11. Because of that, it allows you do different things with him."
Garcia teaming up with Battle will give the U one of the most dynamic frontcourt tandems in the Big Ten this season.
The U's projected starting lineup right now likely includes Garcia and Battle. But Johnson said he will consider having them and Payne playing together this year.
The 6-9, 230-pound Payne has been arguably the most impressive freshman this summer. Knee injuries to veteran forwards Isaiah Ihnen and Parker Fox opens up more playing time in the rotation for the gifted young big man from Cottage Grove.
"I think for sure," Johnson said. "The way we play and the injuries this summer, we can't limit ourselves. We have to be able to find time to put unique lineups on the court at the same time. How much will that be? I don't know. That will be determined how far guys develop. But there will for sure be times when there's Jamison, Dawson, Pharrel or Jamison, Dawson, and Treyton."
www.startribune.com
Go Gophers!!
Now that Garcia is officially playing at the Barn this season, Gophers second-year coach Ben Johnson likes all the lineup options with the versatile junior forward alongside the 6-7 sharpshooting Battle, last season's leading scorer and rebounder.
"He gives you that versatility," Johnson said of Garcia. "He can stretch you out to three. He can make plays off the catch and shoot it. He's a good ball handler and willing passer. He's got really good versatility and happens to be 6-11. Because of that, it allows you do different things with him."
Garcia teaming up with Battle will give the U one of the most dynamic frontcourt tandems in the Big Ten this season.
The U's projected starting lineup right now likely includes Garcia and Battle. But Johnson said he will consider having them and Payne playing together this year.
The 6-9, 230-pound Payne has been arguably the most impressive freshman this summer. Knee injuries to veteran forwards Isaiah Ihnen and Parker Fox opens up more playing time in the rotation for the gifted young big man from Cottage Grove.
"I think for sure," Johnson said. "The way we play and the injuries this summer, we can't limit ourselves. We have to be able to find time to put unique lineups on the court at the same time. How much will that be? I don't know. That will be determined how far guys develop. But there will for sure be times when there's Jamison, Dawson, Pharrel or Jamison, Dawson, and Treyton."
Gophers basketball likes frontcourt options with Dawson Garcia in fold
Garcia, recently granted immediate eligibility by the NCAA, joined star Jamison Battle and coach Ben Johnson at the Minnesota State Fair.
www.startribune.com
Go Gophers!!
