No. 15 Minnesota Loses PG Al Nolen To Foot Injury

Nov. 27, 2010

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -Minnesota will likely be without two injured starters – point guard Al Nolen and small forward Rodney Williams – for Monday’s game against Virginia.

Coach Tubby Smith said Saturday that Nolen has a foot injury and could miss “a couple weeks or longer” while he recovers. Williams sprained his ankle in Wednesday’s win over North Dakota State, and Smith said he’s “doubtful” to play for the 15th-ranked Gophers (6-0) against the Cavaliers in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge.

Minnesota’s best backup, guard Devoe Joseph, has not played yet this season due to a violation of team rules. Smith said he has not yet decided whether he will bring Joseph back for the Virginia game. Smith said Joseph has some academic issues to take care of.