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“Dawson’s a really good player,” Johnson said. “The only thing I had to figure out from our standpoint is, teams are going to guard him differently. How can we help get him to spots where he can be successful? Because if he gets to his spots more time than not, he’s going to have a good result. That’s the challenge.”
In his first two years with the Gophers, Garcia played inside primarily with Pharrel Payne before the 6-9 bruiser transferred to Texas A&M. Minnesota hasn’t been able to replace Payne with just one player. Seniors Frank Mitchell, Parker Fox and Trey Edmonds all bring different things to the frontcourt, but opponents don’t always see them as scoring threats.
Mitchell, who averages 11 rebounds per 40 minutes, started the last seven games, but he’s battled foul trouble. Fox had a season-high 18 points vs. Cleveland State, but he’s best at bringing energy and defense off the bench. Edmonds can be an inside scoring presence at 6-10, but his playing time is sporadic.
Whatever support the Gophers can give their go-to guy can only make it easier for him to dominate. Even when that doesn’t happen in some games, Garcia’s leadership is what teammates appreciate the most.
“His confidence doesn’t waver,” Edmonds said. “He’s an even-keeled dude. He knows there’s going to be ups and downs. He knows people are going to say stuff when you’re doing good and bad. That’s a guy I look up to.”
Offensively, the numbers speak for themselves. Garcia’s averaging career-highs in scoring, field goal percentage (49.5%), three-point percentage (41.9%), free throw percentage (81%), rebounds (7.0) and steals (1.0). Anchoring Minnesota’s defense and being a student of the game are also things he takes pride in now.
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