“We’re hoping to get Lu’Cye in the mix with this game,” Johnson said before practice Monday. “Femi will still be day-to-day, but it’s nothing serious. I think it’s more with the contact piece I want to make sure.”
Patterson could be an option to share point guard duties with returning starter Mike Mitchell Jr. Patterson, a 6-2, 210-pound former Minnesota Prep standout, averaged 14.6 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists last season as an All-American Conference performer.
“Lu’Cye can score the ball at all three levels,” Mitchell said after the first exhibition game. “He’s an underrated passer.”
How will the Gophers backcourt look different against Hamline? Someone will likely not get as much playing time, according to Johnson.
“The challenge is you’re adding a piece with Lu’Cye,” Johnson said. “I want to get everybody on film. I want to give everybody a shot and also just kind of see where we’re at. The minutes will probably fluctuate a lot more this game adding a couple more bodies.”
In the first exhibition game, Oregon transfer Brennan Rigsby had 17 points in the starting backcourt with Mitchell, who had a team-high 19 points and eight assists. They combined for seven of the team’s nine three-pointers.
