The Minnesota Golden Gophers are one step closer to getting senior forward Trevor Mbakwe back in action. Marcus R. Fuller of The Pioneer Press reported on Thursday that Mbakwe participated in his first individual workout for the 2012-13 season on Wednesday. Mbakwe was there to practice with coaches and three teammates. NCAA rules don't allow more than four players to work out with the staff at a time prior to the official season start date of Oct. 12.
Mbakwe has been granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA after his season was cut short by a torn anterior cruciate ligament in a loss to Dayton on Nov. 27 a year ago. It was an easy decision for Mbakwe to return for another year, but his draft stock will be tough to raise this season, given his age.
According to the piece, Mbakwe took shots during drills and dunked without any limitations on Wednesday. To this point, he had only worked out with trainers doing the offseason, with no drills with his teammates. He also didn't take part in summer practices with the team.
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