Royce White and Trevor Mbakwe updates

During the 76 Classic out in Anaheim, Andy Katz reported that Trevor Mbakwe had a shot of rejoining the Gophers fairly soon as the Minnesota coaching staff anticipated that the charges against him could be dropped.

That may not actually be true, according to Gold in the Barn:

[A] source with the Miami district attorney's office said Thursday prosecutors will proceed with charges against Mbakwe and expect to establish a new trial date early next year.

"Absolutely NO TRUTH to the rumor(s) you are hearing," the source said. "[Prosecutors in the case] are proceeding with [the] deposition schedule of the defense witnesses in preparation for trial."

Between the Katz report and reports that the prosecution couldn't find the accuser, there was hope that Mbakwe would be able to join the team soon.

As of now, it doesn't look like that is the case.


Royce White is in a bit of a different situation. White has been suspended indefinitely since an incident at the Mall of America on October 13th, but on Dec. 2nd he plead guilty to charges of shoplifting and disorderly conduct.

But earlier this week White sent out an interesting tweet that got Minnesota fans a bit riled up:

'';x'REAL Royce White Story' From me. Coming 10pm Youtube tonight. 100% truth since nobody else wants to. Immm Back!!!

Well, White isn't returning, he was just promoting this youtube video of him shooting jumpshots:



Tubby Smith had this to say about White's timetable:

"This is the first time he really in his scholastic career (hasn't played). His expectations are pretty high. I can see (that). But we try to let our players know that the wheels of justice turn very slowly. You have to be patient. Hopefully, he won't get too frustrated and (will) continue to do the things he has to do to get back on the team.

"At this point in time, it really hasn't changed. I'm hoping we can get things resolved. I (was) hoping it would be resolved by now, but that's not the case."