With the injury to Al Nolen, Minnesota is trying to Blake Hoffarber at point guard.

The Gophers have only eight players in their rotation following Nolen's broken foot.

Minnesota coach Tubby Smith was still mulling several possibilities for his altered five-man combinations.

"I really concentrated this summer on getting my passing game up and ball-handling and stuff like that," said Hoffarber. "I've shown it so far this year, with me moving to point guard if I have to. I think I'm confident with that, and I can handle the ball and get guys the open shots."