Gopher Basketball Adds Malik Smith; Coleman To Leave

Gopher men's basketball coach Richard Pitino is adding 6'2 transfer Malik Smith from Florida International.  Smith tweeted "I'm a Minnesota Gopher baby, Big 10 here I come".  Smith averaged 14.1 points and 2.7 rebounds a game playing for Richard Pitino at Florida International last season.  A team source confirmed that Smith will be eligible to play immediately.

Sophomore Joe Coleman is expected to transfer according to the Star Tribune.  The Hopkins graduate played two seasons for the Gophers under Tubby Smith.  Coleman averaged 8.7 points a game in 34 games for the Gophers in 2012-2013.  He is a 6'4 sophomore who has 2 years of eligibility remaining.

If Coleman transfers the Gophers will have 2 scholarships available for next season.