Gopher Q&A: Austin Hollins Talks Transition to New Staff, Player Development and More

Austin Hollins is the type of player that every coach would want – he works hard, plays great defense, is versatile on offense and has improved every year he’s been in the program. With a new coaching staff and three years experience in the Big Ten, he’ll definitely add team leader to his growing list of duties.

GopherHole’s Nadine Babu recently caught up with Hollins to learn about the transition to the new staff and what Gopher fans can expect this next season.

GopherHole: In the first few practices that you’ve had with this staff, what differences are there compared to the prior staff?

Austin Hollins: It’s a lot more up tempo, we’ve been working, getting in shape, everyone is excited, but it’s definitely  more up tempo, we’re getting a lot more shots up, using a little less shot clock, it will definitely be more fast paced. 

GopherHole: What areas of your game are you working on to get ready for this new style of play?

Austin Hollins: I just need to be in the best shape I can be.  I’ve got to get more aggressive, work on my shot, that’s a continuous thing.  That’s something you need to continually work on every day.  I just want to be more consistent. 

GopherHole: What are your early impressions of the new additions to the roster?

Austin Hollins: I like that everyone’s been working hard.  They’ve all come in ready to work.  They all fit into the style, we’ve got 4 men that can shoot, we’ve got Mo and Elliott coming back, it will be exciting. 

GopherHole: What will Mo Walker be able to bring to the game with his weight loss?

Austin Hollins: He’ll be able to bring a lot, he’s a lot quicker, he gets up and down the floor, he’s very talented offensively.  He’s lost a lot of weight, and getting in shape is going to help us. 

GopherHole: What do you think Charles Buggs is going to be able to add, since he redshirted last year?

Austin Hollins: He’s like 6’8”/6’9”, he’s got really long arms, he can run the floor, he can shoot and dribble, he’s going to be a big piece. 

GopherHole: Have you had much contact with the prior staff since they left in late March?

Austin Hollins: Not a whole lot.  Right after they left, some people were still in town around campus, and talked to a few people, but haven’t had a lot of contact since then. 

GopherHole: How are you and Andre helping guide the new guys?

Austin Hollins: We’re just trying to get them acquainted the best we can, but this is new for us too.  We’ve got new coaches, a new system, everything is different for us.  We’re trying to get them acquainted to campus and playing division one basketball at the University of Minnesota, but as far as playing with these coaches, it’s a learning experience for all of us. 

GopherHole: What role to the assistant coaches play?  Are they assigned to coaching certain positions? 

Austin Hollins: It switches.  Some take on a certain position, and then at another practice that coach would take on a different position, it just varies depending on the practice.  They are pretty flexible.