It's still unclear if Ralph Sampson III will play Tuesday night when the Gophers host Appalachian State, but he was moving around much better during Monday's practice. The 6-foot-11 senior center has missed the last two games.

Sources close to the Gophers' basketball team told the Star Tribune that Ralph Sampson III is unlikely to play in tonight's game against Mount St. Mary's. Sampson III turned his ankle in the closing moments of last week's win over Fairfield.

University of Minnesota center Ralph Sampson III could miss his second consecutive game Saturday when the Gophers host USC. The senior center is still experiencing some soreness in his ankle. He missed Wednesday's win over Virginia Tech as well.

Ralph Sampson III is back in the starting lineup tonight as the Gophers host Appalachian State in non-conference play at Williams Arena. Sampson missed the previous two games because of a turned ankle. Andre Hollins is also starting despite turning an ankle in Saturday's win over USC.

The Gophers could be without starting big man Ralph Sampson III against Northwestern in the opening round of the Big Ten Tournament on Thursday. Sampson injured his knee two days ago and hasn't practice since.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse says frustrated Gophers coach Tubby Smith wants Ralph Sampson III to go strong to the basket and not settle for jumpers -- even though that's never been his game.

Ralph Sampson will be back in the Gophers’ lineup Wednesday night when Minnesota takes on LaSalle in the opening round of the NIT tournament. Sampson sat out the Big 10 tournament last week with a sprained knee, but coach Tubby Smith tells the Pioneer Press his senior center “looks good.”

Both players are recovering from minor ankle injuries, but Ralph Sampson III and Andre Hollins are expected to start Saturday when the Gophers host St. Peter's. Sampson returned to action against Appalachian State, but Hollins left the game early and didn't return.