5ive Questions: How will the Gophers replace Nolen and Hoffarber?

The Gophers face Penn State Sunday in their final regular season game.

Here are five questions related to the matchup:

How will the Gophers replace seniors Al Nolen and Blake Hoffarber?

The two Minnesota products played major roles in some of the program's biggest wins under Tubby Smith. Their leadership, experience and individual skills will be missed next season.

The Gophers will employ a young backcourt during the 2011-12 campaign. Recruits Andre Hollins and Joe Coleman have high ceilings. And they're going to make the Gophers more athletic. Ditto for potential additions prep forward Henry Brooks and juco guard Julian Welch.

But Hoffarber's shooting has stretched defenses and forced teams to put additional emphasis on guarding the perimeter. Nolen has been one of the Big Ten's best defenders. His defense changes games. And his offensive poise has led the Gophers to numerous victories throughout his career.

The Gophers won't have a pure shooter like Hoffarber next season, but Oto Osenieks could develop into a perimeter threat, especially with his size. And I think Austin Hollins can shoot, but he's struggling with shot selection and rhythm right now.

Nolen has been an exceptional defender throughout his career because he's worked at it. Even as a freshman, he was determined to make an impact on defense. I think Coleman has the tools to contribute on that end of the floor over a four-year career. Austin Hollins has been a ball hawk in the zone. And Andre Hollins is talented enough to play high-level defense, too.

But it will be hard for the Gophers to replace their specific skill-sets next season.

Are Tubby's tactics working?

I don't think so. He's called out his most important player and captain. I don't see a team that's motivated by Smith's approach. I see a squad that's intimidated by it.

Instead of executing down the stretch, they're freezing. After the loss at Northwestern Wednesday, Smith said his players were "scared."

His style could be the culprit. They lack the confidence necessary to perform when the game is on the line.

Are Nolen and Hoffarber the only Gophers who are playing their last game at Williams Arena?

If the Gophers make the NIT, they might host a game. But that's not a guarantee if they keep losing.

Fans will have their chance to say goodbye to Nolen and Hoffarber, who will graduate in the spring.

But I think Trevor Mbakwe will test the waters this offseason. I talked to him Saturday and he said he thinks he'll enter the NBA draft after this season but he said he won't hire an agent. He also said he'd be open to the right opportunity overseas.

That doesn't mean he's leaving. He might end up staying in school, but I think he'll certainly explore his options.

Ralph Sampson III might declare for the draft, too. I was told that he was thinking about the NBA last season, so I won't be surprised if he enters just to get some feedback from pro teams.

What do the Gophers have to do to win?

Well, they obviously have to finish strong.

During Saturday's availability, Smith said he doesn't have a clutch playmaker who can get the Gophers a bucket when they need one. That's part of the problem. But they never look like they're in sync during those situations. They look like they're freelancing rather than running structured plays. Both players and staffers have struggled during this losing skid.

Will Al Nolen play in next week's Big Ten tournament?

I don't think so. But I think he'll suit up with his teammates in Indy. And that might be a spark for this team if it can see Nolen on the sideline in uniform.

But when I talked to him Saturday, I never got the sense that he was coming back. He's obviously concerned about possibly re-injuring the foot. And he's not in shape. And he doesn't want to come back unless he can help.

Prediction: I just don't see Hoffarber going out with a loss.

Gophers 65, Penn State 60 (I'm 21-8 this season)