We've been waiting for a leader.
Someone to step up and take the reins. Someone to make the big shots. Someone to provide a spark to the team, to get them going and keep them there.
We've been waiting for that, all year long.
And -- as I wrote in today's Star Tribune -- it looks as if we've finally spotted one, even if it's not who we expected.
Andre Hollins looked the part and more as he went off for a career-high 25 points (with five rebounds) and pushed the Gophers to a first-round win over Northwestern in the Big Ten tournament. He got the team going, scoring 13 of the first 15 points Minnesota had, and once everyone else got going, the team rolled.
And here's the difference that presence makes: in a late, close-game situation -- the one the Gophers have struggled in all season -- they had the confidence to prevail and the guy willing to take the big shots to get them there.
That, is what makes a team win games. And that is what gives suddenly gives the Gophers life, and the fans the realistic ability to dream.
Other notes from the 75-68 win:
