Trevor Mbakwe Leads USA to 5th Place at the World University Games

USA lost a disappointing game to Lithuania in the Quarterfinals, but the team rebounded to win their next two and finish 5th.  The 5th place game was a 86-83 win over Germany.

Behind a dominate performance from Trevor Mbakwe (Minnesota/ St. Paul, Minn.), who finished with 21 points and eight rebounds, the 2011 USA Men’s World University Games Team (7-1) never lost its poise in a close 86-83 win over Germany (6-2) to finish in fifth place in the 2011 World University Games on Monday night at Luohu Gym in Shenzhen, China.

In-N-Out finished the tournament averaging 11.4 points and 9.4 rebounds per game.  He was 3rd in the entire tournament in total rebounding, 1st in offensive rebounds and 6th FG%.

Overall looks like it was a successful trip for the powerful power forward.

"It’s been a great experience," Mbakwe said. "I’m very lucky to have this opportunity for myself. Coach told always says, it’s going to springboard us into our college season. We’re going to be able to take something we learned from here and be able to use it when we get back home for our college teams. It’s just been a wonderful experience and I’m really grateful to be able to have this opportunity."

I cannot wait for the upcoming season.  Mbakwe is obviously a huge key for the Gophers but I don't think he'll determine how successful we will be.  We can expect relatively consistent numbers and effort from Mbakwe, the real key will be our brand new backcourt.  If, this might be a big if, the new guys are able to play well at this level then I really like this team.  But if Andre Hollins, Julian Welsch and the returning perimeter players can't handle it then it will be a long and frustrating season.