For most college kids, the summer represents an opportunity to hang out with friends and catch some sun. For Gopher guard Austin Hollins, this summer already presented the opportunity to represent his country for Reach USA, travel to China playing basketball and work on his game with players across the country.
GopherHole’s Nadine Babu caught up with Hollins to hear about his experience with Reach USA, what he’s working on this summer and his thoughts on the Memphis-to-Minnesota pipeline.
GH: How did you become affiliated with the Reach USA team?
AH: Coach knew the guy who was running the team and he connected us. The coach who ran the program came and looked at me and we went from there.
GH: What did they like about your game?
AH: They liked my length, my defense and my ability to get up and down the floor.
GH: How was the experience with Reach USA?
AH: It was a lot of fun. I went out there and to be able to go to a different country and play basketball and experience everything was great and I’ll remember it forever.
GH: Were there any other Big Ten players on the team?
AH: Yeah there were. Everybody brought something different to the tab le. It was a lot of fun.
GH: Where all did you travel to?
AH: We went all over. I can’t name them all. We went to Beijing and that was my favorite. It was very cool.
GH: How do you think this helped your game?
AH: Any basketball outside of the season helps. And we got to work against guys who we don’t against all of the time.
GH: How comfortable so you feel taking the ball up the court?
AH: It’s not my natural position but I am working on my ball handling. I need to feel comfortable handling the ball if asked. If I’m scared to play a position it does no good for the team.
GH: What can you tell us about the newest Hollins (Andre) from Memphis?
AH: He’s a player. I’m excited to have him on the team, along with Joe and all of the new guys.
GH: Anyone else in the pipeline in Memphis that the Gophers should have their eyes on?
AH: Not that I know of, not this year.
GH: What are you working on most in the offseason?
AH: Mostly dribbling and consistency on my jump shot?
GH: Are you looking to start this year?
AH: I’ll work hard for a starting spot but if I come off the bench I’ll work just as hard for the team in that role.