ORLANDO – Isaac Asuma is the latest freshman guard forced to play early for Gophers coach Ben Johnson, and he proved ready for the challenge in two tough losses in Florida.

“Isaac’s proven he’s a big part of what we’re doing,” Johnson told the Star Tribune on Friday. “He’s getting thrown into the fire, which is a great experience for him. And he’s proven that he’s capable of helping. There’s not a drop-off when he’s in there.”

In the past four games, Asuma has averaged 8.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.8 assists. Rutgers’ Dylan Harper (33.6) and Illinois’ Kasparas Jakucionis (30.0) are the only Big Ten freshmen averaging more minutes per game than Asuma’s 27.6. Cam Christie didn’t play as much as that as a Gophers freshman in 2023-24, and he made the Big Ten all-freshman team and developed into a second-round NBA draft pick.

“I’m just thankful for the opportunity,” Asuma told the Star Tribune on Friday. “That’s really my game, to do a little bit of everything. Whatever I can do to help the team, whether it’s defensively or offensively.”

The Gophers guard corps remain hampered by injuries and illness. Lu’Cye Patterson made the all-tourney team in Orlando, but health trouble sidelined guards Mike Mitchell Jr. (ankle), Tyler Cochran (foot) and Caleb Williams (mononucleosis). Rigsby joined the injured list in Orlando, sitting out most of the second half against Wake Forest. Mitchell, Williams and Rigsby will be questionable Sunday.

That brings it back to Asuma.