After a breakout sophomore season in which he averaged 14.6 points, Gophers guard Andre Hollins carried great expectations into his junior season. But an ankle injury derailed his momentum, and he finished in a shooting slump despite the Gophers' success in winning the NIT. As a senior captain, Hollins is looking for a fresh start and a big finish. He chatted recently with the Star Tribune's Michael Rand:

Q Realistically, how good do you think this team can be?

A I think we can be very good. But the only thing we're worried about right now is just getting better every day. I think that's the emphasis for this team. Don't worry about the future, don't worry about the past, just worry about living in the moment and making sure you're working your hardest. I read this book this past month, John Wooden's "A Lifetime of Observations (On and Off the Court)." He says to make every day a masterpiece, and that's what we're trying to do.

Q Is that what you're personally trying to do — because I'm guessing there is more you want to accomplish, individually, this year vs. last year?

A Yeah. I'm just looking forward to bringing everything I can to the team and I'll let the chips fall as they may. I just want to be there for my guys and be the best leader, be the best teammate and be the best I can be for them. In the long run, I know everything will be taken care of.

Q What about some of these new guys — what should we know about them on and off the court?

Gophers senior Andre Hollins is driven to produce a senior season that avoids the flaws of his junior season.

A We jell well. Everyone is funny, everyone is goofy. We joke around. But at the same time, when we get on the court, we get after it. Practices have been really fun. It's been raised to another level to where we're practicing and Coach [Richard Pitino] is like, 'You guys are competitive, I like that.' The effort is always there.

Q I know you talked about Pitino and being in the second year with him as coach. Does that make a big difference, knowing what he expects?

A Yeah, definitely. The first year, you're still trying to get used to things. … That second year is like taking a test for the second time. I think that's giving us a lot of confidence.

Q Do you put any pressure on yourself this year, being a senior captain?

A Since I've been here, I've kind of led by example — not as vocal freshman year and sophomore year. I started to pick it up a little last year, but this year has by far been the most vocal I've ever been. It's really helping my game out.

Q Are you comfortable with that — and do guys respond to it?

A Yeah, I take it with pride. I feel like [other players] love me as a leader. I'm pretty straightforward. I try to let them know what's expected, try to give them my knowledge of … what to expect, in terms of how we're playing. Since I know Coach's system, I can be that next coach — so [Pitino] isn't the only one giving them advice.

Q I know it's a cliché, but it's your senior year already. Does it feel like it goes by fast?

A Yeah, it does. It goes fast. I can remember when I first came here, wide-eyed, looking at everything.