Notebook: Andre Hollins projected to return to 'U' starting lineup
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MINNEAPOLIS -- Onlookers tend to take notice when one initiates a game-tying rally by scoring 20 points off the bench.
It worked in Andre Hollins' favor.
After a highlight performance last week against Wisconsin, the freshman guard is expected to make his return to the starting lineup on Tuesday when the Gophers cross paths with sixth-ranked Ohio State (8 p.m. 1500 ESPN).
Coach Tubby Smith, speaking with reporters after practice Monday, said the move is still under consideration, but indications are that Hollins will be back with the starting-five for the first time since early December.
In Monday's practice, Hollins worked out with the Maroon team, which is typically made up of the projected starters. When asked if the coaching staff had informed him of the promotion, the 6-foot-1 guard responded, "I think so. I'm in Maroon, so yeah, I'm a starter."
The reconfiguration isn't surprising. Hollins, who is likely to replace struggling guard Joe Coleman, has recently rediscovered the finesse and shooting touch that originally earned him a starting spot at the onset of the season.
His playing minutes and performance have been on a steady rise in the last several weeks. Hollins became a go-to threat when the "U" needed one against Wisconsin. Though his potential winning shot and the Gophers' upset bid fell short, he ended the night with a plethora of career-highs -- points (20), field goals (6-of-12), 3-pointers (5-of-6) and rebounds (6).
He's the first Gopher to make at least five three-pointers in a game this season.
"He's done a good job. He has a lot more confidence," Smith said. "He is probably the best at creating his own shot on the team, as far as taking the ball to the basket."
The up-tick in Hollins' output has come paired with the return of his characteristic spunky and happy-go-lucky attitude. It is no coincidence the change coincided with his return to full strength.
His surprisingly fast start to the year -- double-digit scoring outings in three of his first six games -- was abruptly derailed in the wake of a right ankle sprain and hip pointer. Not accustomed to dealing with nagging injuries, Hollins saw a dramatic drop-off in his play -- averaging three points in a 12-game stretch -- as he tried to battle through the persistent pain, as well the typical freshman growing pains.
"That was my first real injury that made me sit out," Hollins said. "I couldn't go full speed and it hurt my game for a while."
Slowly, however, his confidence trickled back.
"I think I've gone through my spell when it was just tough," Hollins said. "Practice was tough, playing was tough, and the injury compounded it. I think I persevered well. I'm moving in the right direction."
Coleman enduring the freshman blues
While Hollins is surging, the Gophers' other freshman guard has been caught in a rough patch.
Overcoming a sluggish opening two months, Joe Coleman's bruising, aggressive offensive style propelled him to a 10 point conference scoring average and made him a critical cog in the "U" line-up by the mid-point of the Big Ten season.
But as opposing defenses have become increasingly aware of his tendencies, his production has hit a standstill. Coleman is without a point in three straight games.
"He hasn't gotten a lot of good shots," Smith said. "When you lack that confidence in the outside shot, people have the tendency to back off of you."
"If you don't have the courage to step up and take it, then it makes it even tougher ... I don't think it's a matter of confidence. He just needs to become a better shooter. That is going to take a while for him."
Smith's coaching staff continues to work with Coleman in adjusting his shooting technique, imploring him to capitalize on scoring attempts if the window is there.
"(Smith) just said shoot it when I'm open, don't be hesitant to shoot it and let it ride," he said.
Though visibly frustrated by his struggles, Coleman's determination hasn't relinquished.
"I need to be stronger, just fight through some of the things happening right now," Coleman said. "You have your ups. You have your downs. You have to make sure you can get through those moments and be successful."
Notes
• On his weekly radio show on 1500 ESPN, Smith commented that he hopes post-season surgery won't be needed to repair Andre Hollins' hip pointer -- the same injury forward Andre Ingram underwent before the season.
"(Doctors) say they see it a lot today in athletes, especially hockey players," Smith said. "I don't know what it is, but a lot of athletes are having that problem. Some days it almost looks as if he's in a limp. He's gotten better. He's comfortable with it. He is getting exercise and getting therapy on it, so I think that has helped him a lot."
• Sophomore forward Mo Walker's recovery from reconstructive knee surgery is almost fully behind him. Smith said if Walker were eligible he would be able to play right away. The Gophers decided to redshirt Walker this season, but he continues to practice with the team on a daily basis. With Ohio State and standout big-man Jared Sullinger looming in Tuesday's match-up, Walker's stocky presence in the post would be a welcomed addition.
"I could put him in today. He'd be a big help," Smith said.
• Former NBA star Ralph Samspon Jr. -- father of Ralph Sampson III -- was in attendance at practice on Monday.
