For the first time in years, former Gopher and current Los Angeles Laker Sam Jacobson is spending the month of October with his basketball future up in the air.
Currently, the NBA owners are locking out the players because of various issues relating to free agency and salary disputes. On Tuesday, NBA commissioner David Stern announced the first two weeks of the NBA season would be cancelled, with no end to the dispute in sight.
But Jacobson, who arrived at the Bierman complex in his new Mercedes Benz to workout with former Gophers teammate John Thomas — who played last year with the Boston Celtics and will play in Europe this season — said it is a strange feeling preparing for a season that might not happen.
“This is really different,” he said. “I mean I’m usually practicing or doing something to get ready for basketball season.”
Jacobson said he has no idea when the labor dispute will end.
“You know as much as I do,” Jacobson said when asked about the progress with the talks between the union and the owners. “They met this morning and we might find something out in the next couple of weeks. The arbitration meeting is going to be a big factor, so we’re just waiting around and trying to stay in shape.”
The Gophers prepare to start the post-Jacobson era on Friday night with Midnight Madness.
The festivities begin at 10 p.m. and include a concert by former Gear Daddies frontman Martin Zellar and a chance for a lucky student to win a scholarship.
Team captain Miles Tarver will co-host the event along with KARE 11 anchor Paul Magers.
Jacobson said he is excited to watch his alma matter this season, especially with the addition of freshman Joel Pryzbilla.
“It’s hard to say how they’re going to do,” Jacobson said. “They’ve got a lot of great players coming back and some of the new guys are pretty talent, so I’m looking forward to watching them.”
Walkin’ on With Clem
The Gophers will hold their walk-on tryouts on Monday, Oct. 10 at Williams Arena.
The tryouts start at 7 a.m. and anyone interested in participating must bring their own shoes and clothes.
It is the 13th straight year Gophers coach Clem Haskins has given would-be diamonds-in-the-rough a chance at a roster spot. Current Gophers Jason and Jermaine Stanford and John Aune are among the handful who have made the team thanks to this event.