2011-2012 Golden Gophers Men's Basketball: Player Breakdowns

Ahhh, it is my favorite time of year again. No, not winter….Gopher Basketball season.

As you will get to know, I am a huge Gopher Basketball fan. It is really kind of sick actually.

Every year is, “Oh, this will be the year!” “No off court issues this season, going to be in the running for a B1G championship.” Well, this year more than the previous few, I feel pretty optimistic.

I am going to do an outlook on the season a little later in the month. Right now I want to just give you a quick break down of what I think each player can bring to the table this year.

Freshman/Juco Players/Red Shirts:

#11 Joe Coleman: At 6'4" Coleman will be a force if he plays SG. He is strong, fast and knows what to do with the ball. He seems to “want” it more than his brother Dan Coleman. I would not be shocked if Joe makes a bid for a starting spot very early on.

#1 Andre Hollins: Hollins shifted from SG to PG in his senior year at White Station. A move that the coaching staff and the U is more than happy about. After face planting to end the season last year due to lack of PG play, the Gophers need Andre to step up big time. He will do just that. In fact, my sources are saying he will start the season at PG.

#55 Elliott Eliason: Big man from Chadron, NB will be a force to be reckoned with-if he can get healthy. He came in a twig with skill, but has put on a ton of muscle and is ready to show why Colton Iverson leaving was a good thing.

#10 Oto Osenieks: Everyone seems to wonder what we are going to do for a shooter this year with Blake gone. Answer: The daily double – Oto Osenieks. This kid can flat out shoot. At 6'8", his shot will be tough to block. Oh, he has a little inside game as well. He is my sleeper this year.

#00 Julian Welch: Welch is a juco transfer from California. Hopefully this PG that starts with a J from the west coast will not decide to leave because things are tough. I think his veteran presence will be a huge factor for a team lacking that at the guard position.

#30 Andre Ingram: Andre is a nice forward. I do not think he will get a ton of playing time this season, but he could be a factor next year after learning from one of the best big men in the league, Trevor Mbakwe.

#34 Kendal Shell: Sorry Kendal, I do not know anything about you. I know you are a walk-on so I hope you at least take advantage of your "best seat in the house".

Sophomores:

#13 Maverick Ahanmisi: Goose, I mean Maverick, got a bad rap last year. He was forced into more playing time than even he would have liked. He just was not ready. Is that his fault, or is it on the coaches? This year will tell. However, rumors are already circulating that he will not start or see much playing time. I would not be shocked if he leaves the program early.

#23 Chip Armelin: Does anyone remember that monster dunk he had “over” Dallas Lauderdale last year? Granted, it was in a losing effort, but it got the crowd up and showed that he can get up as well. If Chip can learn to calm down, he could be a big role player on this team.

#20 Austin Hollins: Austin showed a lot of flashes last year, but just could not string it all together. He is listed at 185 pounds, but that must be wet with a parka on. Hopefully he has bulked up some this year because if he did, watch out. I think the nerves are gone and this kid is ready to shine.

#15 Maurice Walker: Oh Canada…why did you let Big Mo get hurt? Walker was a stud at the start of the season. He was a good passer, defender, shooter and teammate. Sure, every once in awhile he would make a bone headed play (shooting a 3 against UNC when trying to hold onto a lead), but all freshman do. He looks slimmed down, which should help ease the pressure on his knees.

#22 Chris Halvorsen: Chris seems like a great “hustle” guy. He also appears to have a nice outside shot. Both are things Tubby loves. Now, we just need to see if he can play in the B1G.

Juniors:

#33 Rodney Williams: Rodney, Rodney, Rodney…when are you going to learn to play basketball? Well, like I have said the past two years, this is the year. No really, it is. Right? Well, maybe not, but it is always fun to see what Rodney will do. I am over the dunking; I want to see some pure defense and some shooting this year. NBA? Well, maybe you should have left after your freshman year.

Seniors:

#50 Ralph Sampson III: Has there been anymore frustrating player in the Tubby Smith era here in MN? My answer is no. I mean, the guy has all the tools. He can shoot, defend, pass, hustle….just seems like he can’t put them all together in a single game. Ugh, I am frustrated even writing this.

#32 Trevor Mbakwe: I gotta tell ya, I’m so glad this kid was a stud. I mean, imagine, after all the drama, he sucked. How much of a let down would that have been? I think Mbakwe will challenge for B1G Player of the Year. Maybe that is a stretch, but damnit, something has to go right for this team. Barring injury or legal issues (knock on wood) he will bring the Gophers far into “The Big Dance” and see his draft stock continue to rise.