A few weeks ago, freshman Jordan Murphy started watching videos of Trevor Mbakwe, the former All-Big Ten Gophers forward who consistently played in beast mode.
In almost every game at Williams Arena, Mbakwe would throw down power dunks and screaming to pump up the crowd and teammates.
Minnesota graduate manager Aaron Katsuma suggested that Murphy watch Mbakwe. Both players are undersized power forwards but have great athleticism, length and rebounding ability.
The 6-foot-6, 230-pound Murphy has been trying to imitate Mbakwe's motor since. He definitely did that Monday with 24 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks in an 89-83 win over Clemson.