Minnesota playing without Al Nolen, not expecting him back

To say the least, this season has not gone as planned for the Golden Gophers.

First, it was Trevor Mbakwe's legal issues. Then, it was Royce White's legal issues. Then, White left the team (although he appears to be back and practicing).

Now?

Minnesota will likely be playing the rest of their season without Al Nolen.

You see, NCAA athletes are required to make a certain amount of progress towards their degree each semester in order to be eligible to play. Nolen didn't reach the mandatory six credit hours in the first semester, and he was declared academically ineligible as of yesterday. Minnesota has filed a waiver to appeal the ruling due to extenuating circumstances, which includes a death in the family, but Tubby Smith isn't holding out hope.

"He had a lot of issues this fall but he still had to do the work," Smith told Andy Katz. "I'm planning that we won't have him for the rest of the season."

The loss is a big one for Minnesota. Nolen started at the point, and as much as they are going to miss his play making ability at the point - he's averaging 4.6 apg versus just 1.6 t/o's - its his defensive prowess that they will miss. Nolen is a ball-hawk on the defensive end of the floor, averaging 2.4 spg and harassing opposing point guards. When Minnesota is playing their best basketball, they are pressuring defensively and pushing into transition defensively.

Nolen is the spark plug for both.

Today, against Michigan State, Devoe Joseph will get the start in Nolen's place.