University of Minnesota Athletics
Gopher Hoops Position Preview: Small Forward
11/14/2010 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
With one of the most athletic players in the Big Ten and a highly regarded freshman highlighting the position, the Gophers small forward cast figures to be an exciting one this season.
High flying Minneapolis native Rodney Williams will start for Minnesota in 2010-11, and will look to build on a solid freshman year. During his first year on campus, Williams showed flashes of brilliances early on but cooled off as the season progressed.
The forward averaged 15.0 points per game over his first three games, but recorded double digits only once the rest of the year. Over 32 appearances, Williams averaged 11.9 minutes, 4.2 points, and 1.6 rebounds per game. Coach Tubby Smith will look for the 6-7 forward to improve his rebounding, an area where Minnesota struggled last season. Yet with his combination of athleticism and skill, he has the ability to be one of, if not the top sophomore in the conference.
Having received high praise from Coach Smith during the preseason, Freshman Austin Hollins seems likely to play solid minutes at the wing in his first season. The son of Memphis Grizzles head coach Lionel Hollins, Austin played extensively in the team's first two exhibitions and has impressed the coaching staff since arriving to campus.
"I don't think we've had a more consistent, as far as effort is concerned, player since I've been here. That's how hard he's worked, how focused he is and how mature he is ... That's what you're supposed to do. Do the things right on the court and off the court and you'll get your opportunity" said Smith at the team's media day.
The 6-4 Germanton, Tenn. native averaged 6.5 points, 3.0 rebounds and 16.0 minutes per game in the Minnesota's exhibition wins over Northeastern State (Okla.) and Winona State and will look to play important minutes as a freshman. Hollins averaged 18.9 points per game during his senior season Germantown high school.
Latvian freshman Oto Osenieks, who would have been a candidate for playing time as well, will redshirt in 2010-11 and have four years of eligibility remaining beginning next season. Osenieks played one year of high school basketball at Brehm Prep in Carbondale, Ill. Prior to his arrival in Minneapolis. At Brehm, he averaged 16.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists. Having played for the Latvian National Team at the 2008 U-18 and 2010 U-20 European Championships, Osenieks comes to Minnesota with extensive international experience.
Valparaiso transfer and former Henry Sibley star Chris Halvorsen will also sit out the upcoming season due to NCAA Transfer rules. The 6-8 sophomore from St. Paul played in nine games for the Crusaders last year as a freshman.
