5ive Questions: Is Al Nolen back?

Evanston, Ill. - What's up?

The Gophers face Northwestern Wednesday night.

Here are five questions related to the matchup:

1. Is Al Nolen back?

On Wednesday, Trevor Mbakwe (TMbakwe32) tweeted, "Just heard the good news that my boy @Al_Nolen might be able to play this Sunday vs psu leetttsss goooo he back yall." And the buzz began.

It actually started Monday, when Tubby Smith talked about possibly getting Nolen back in time for next week's conference tournament.

"You know he's been looking better. I know he's anxious. He's been working," Smith said. "So I don't know that … We'd love to have him back at that point and time [in the Big Ten tourney]. We've really struggled without him. You know I'm not sure how effective he'd be. We hope to get him back by then."

Smith's comments, however, offered the first glimpse of Nolen's status. If he's working that's obviously a good step toward a possible comeback. Those close to Nolen, however, say that he still has a long road ahead. And even Smith questioned how much the senior will help if he does return.

Later in the day, Mbakwe said he got some bad information. "Actually my source was wrong about al but hopefully he's stil able to though."

We'll know more about Nolen's status after Smith's postgame press conference. But right now, I doubt Nolen returns in time for the team's last regular season game. And even next week's conference tourney remains a question mark for the defensive star.

2. How will Maverick Ahanmisi change the starting rotation?

If the Gophers move the freshman to point guard in their starting rotation, it should make life easier on offense, however, they might suffer on the other of the floor.

But they'll lose some of the length that's been their strength during this slide. Ahanmisi will face a talented point guard in Juice Thompson. That's a tall task for any freshmen.

It's worth a try.

3. Why switch now?

It's a trust thing. Ahanmisi is a freshman. That's a tough position for a freshman to play, especially when he's matched up against some of America's best floor leaders. But with everything going wrong, Smith seems like he's prepared to try something new.

4. Can the Gophers make the Big Dance?

5. Will they win?