It seems clear that coach Tubby Smith wants to stick with freshman Andre Hollins at point guard, and three games in (two exhibitions and one real contest) is probably too soon to give up on that decision. But of all these early games, Monday's against South Dakota State – and its prolific point guard – could be the one to test that resolve.
The Jackrabbits' Nate Wolters has shown early why he was touted as one of the top 25 point guards in college basketball by CBSsports.com, preseason. The junior had 24 points in SDSU's exhibition game and then exploded for 32 points and 11 assists in the season-opening win against Western Michigan.
Smith has praised Hollins as the most talented of the point guard bunch, but has finished the last two games with Julian Welch, whose defense and aggressiveness he has praised.
"He's sound defensively," Smith said. "He's much more physical, much more aggressive. … And that's why we recruited him."
Smith said he has given Welch a big role late in the last two games because the Gophers needed a greater defensive presence at those times and because "he's doing a better job" in those moments.
Trevor Mbakwe lauded Welch for doing a good job of "harassing the other point guard" on Friday.
With Monday's matchup being one that seems to call for a singular defensive presence, it's an opportunity for Hollins to prove he can handle such a challenge -- or for perhaps for Welch to seize more playing time.
