Dec. 16, 2013

After crossing the 1,000-point plateau and leading the Minnesota men's basketball team to victory in its only action last week, senior guard Austin Hollins has been recognized as the Big Ten Player of the Week, announced today by the conference office.

The Germantown, Tenn., native led the Golden Gophers (9-2) to a 75-59 victory over South Dakota State on Tuesday night, posting his third career double-double in the win. Hollins scored a game-high 20 points while pulling down a new career-high 14 rebounds, adding three assists and a steal in 30 minutes of action.

His layup at the 3:16 mark in the second half against the Jackrabbits brought his career scoring total to 1,001, making him the 39th member of Minnesota's 1,000-point club. The game also marked Hollins's 10th double-digit scoring game of the season, and his 20-point effort was one shy of his career-best, set against Michigan on Jan. 17, 2013.

For the Gophers, it is the first weekly award of the season and the first since Trevor Mbakwe was recognized on March 4 last season. Hollins received the honor for the first time in his career.

In the midst of a 10-day break for final exams, Hollins and the Gophers return to action Friday night, hosting Nebraska-Omaha at Williams Arena. Tip-off is set for 8:00 p.m. CT, in a game that will be broadcast live on the Big Ten Network.