Success raises optimism for rugged U basketball Big Ten slate

It's been all about defense, defense, defense up to this point for the Gophers. Minnesota has been averaging a league best in both blocked shots and steals while limiting opponents to 37.1 percent shooting (third-best in the Big Ten Conference) and averaging almost 16 points a game more than their opponents. When the Gophers struggle in other aspects, defense has been what keeps them in games.

BIGGEST WEAKNESS

The Gophers are struggling most with shooting. While they've had strong games in that regard, the results simply haven't been consistent, and their average number of three-pointers per game (5.1) ranked third from the bottom of the Big Ten. With so many teams shooting the long ball well in this league (six teams make more than 33 percent from three-point range), the Gophers will need to turn on their outside game to keep up.

BIGGEST UNKNOWN

The frontcourt has been lauded for its depth and range of types since before the season started. But with the conference schedule right around the corner, we still don't have a sure picture of what the Gophers have down low. Starter Elliott Eliason has been lacking both in presence and scoring. Trevor Mbakwe is still gaining strength from his torn ACL a year ago. Mo Walker has the size the Gophers need but still needs to get better conditioned to run with a fast team. Is the frontcourt a strength? Can the Gophers work out the pieces? We have yet to find out.

INDIVIDUAL MOST CONSISTENT

Rodney Williams: After starting off his junior season with up-and-down performances, Williams has made a statement as a senior that he is indeed capable of leading this team. The forward has been remarkably consistent this season in scoring, rebounding and defense.

Austin Hollins: The junior can make things happen both offensively and defensively, but his scrappy on-the-ball defense has been key in the team's up-tempo play. "His steals get us pretty involved. It gets scoring in transition, which leads to dunks and and-ones, which gets the crowd involved pretty good," Joe Coleman said.

Williams: Andre Hollins had the single greatest game (41 points vs. Memphis). But while the beauty of this team has been that there hasn't been pressure on any one individual to take the reins most nights, it's hard to deny that Williams has been the steady, reliable force more than anyone else. He has shown the capability not only to be the dynamic leader, but also the steady leader, quietly having a great season.

Coleman: The sophomore still has a ways to go in ball handling, but Coleman has substantially improved from a year ago and has been a big spark offensively. "He doesn't get the attention a lot of people get, but he does a lot of the scrappy work," Mbakwe said.

Mbakwe: It's been a long road back for the sixth-year senior, but the forward is peaking at the right time.