Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Gophers had plenty of talent this season, but no one stepped up their game more in the 2013 NCAA Tournament than Andre Hollins.
Hollins was the leading scorer of this team, averaging 14.6 points per game. That average had nothing on how he performed in the dance.
Against the UCLA Bruins, Hollins dropped 28 points. He also shot 50 percent from the field and drained five shots from behind the arc. His 7-for-7 from the charity stripe was also a nice touch.
Minnesota would then play the Florida Gators in the round of 32. The Gophers were getting blown out of this game, but Hollins gave them a sense of hope for just a little while. In that game, he put up 25 points, shot 61.5 percent from the field and made six three-pointers.
He also had 14 rebounds and six assists in the tournament.
If Hollins can put up this kind of production next season, he will easily be a favorite for the Player of the Year. You have to remember that he is only 6’1”, so many of his shots are not from under the hoop. For him to average 55.2 percent from the field is ridiculous. Don’t even get me started on his 61.1 percent from the three-point line because that does not happen, especially being based off of 18 attempts.
Minnesota did not make it far at all in the tourney, but Hollins was amazing. Just imagine if he returns next season. He is only a sophomore, so he could have two more years with the Gophers, which would do wonders for this program.
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