Starting center Bakary Konate will miss the Gophers' two exhibition games because of a stress fracture in his foot, but he said Wednesday his goal is to be ready for the season opener Nov. 13 against Missouri-Kansas City.
Konate is progressing after injuring his left foot in practice a couple weeks ago.
"It was very tough in the beginning," he said at Gophers Media Day. "But right now I feel much better with my feet. I just have to be patient to be ready to get back and do what I want to do."
The 6-foot-11 sophomore worked on improving his offensive game in the offseason, but he will be expected to be more of a rebounding and defensive force this season.