MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota power forward Trevor Mbakwe (im-BAHK-way) says he’s leaning toward taking the sixth season of eligibility granted by the NCAA.
But he hasn’t ruled out making himself available for the NBA draft, and if he does decide to stay with the Gophers they’re going to have to find a scholarship for him.
Mbakwe spoke to reporters after the team’s practice on Saturday. He said he was “sweating bullets” over the last few months while waiting for the NCAA’s decision. Mbakwe tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in the seventh game of the season and needed reconstructive surgery. The preseason All-Big Ten pick led the Gophers in scoring and rebounding last season.