Rene Pulley has watched not only Jones but also several Gophers players in his summer basketball league.  Among the players he’s intrigued to see play for Minnesota next season is forward Rodney Williams who had a disappointing sophomore year averaging 6.8 points per game, making only 21 percent of his three point field goals and often being a non-contributor even though he was a starter.  Before the season he was projected by nbadraftnet.com to be a top 10 NBA draft choice in 2011.

“I think he’s got a new confidence in his game and his potential and his ability now,” Pulley said.  “He’s been shooting the three point shot very well.  He did that at the LeBron James camp and also the Kevin Durant camp.  But he’s brought that back to the league (Howard Pulley) and he’s been doing that here.

“(He’s) putting the ball on the floor far more aggressive than he’s ever been.  I am one of the ones that wonder, is it him?  Or is it somebody holding him back?  Because he impresses everybody.  He’s a crowd favorite here.  But for whatever reason, when he gets over to the U, you got a different Rodney Williams.”

Williams, who might be the most athletic player in the Big Ten, certainly has NBA potential and so, too, does teammate Trevor Mbakwe who is trying to make the USA World University Games roster this month.  The Gophers’ power forward led the Big Ten in rebounding last year at 10.5 per game and was an intimidating player not only rebounding, but blocking shots with his exceptional strength and jumping ability.

“My assessment of Trevor is he’s a beast,” Pulley said.  “He still needs to work on his low post moves, his footwork, and maybe develop a little eight to 12 foot shot.  But if he gets that together, he’s got a chance to be in the NBA.”

The best of Minnesota’s new players next season could certainly be Memphis freshman guard Andre Hollins.  The 6-1 Hollins averaged 23.5 points per game during his senior year and was Tennessee’s Mr. Basketball.

“I think he’s special,” Pulley said.  “I really, really like him.  He’s a strong body.  He’s an outstanding guard.  A good handler, very athletic.  Jumps out of the gym, but he’s got a great jump shot.  He’s got a three point shot, a mid-range shot and he’s quick.  I think he’s going to help the Gophers a lot.”

Passionate football fans, the Wilfs want a Super Bowl team.  Although the state legislature didn’t put a stadium plan to a vote this year, the franchise appears closer to a new venue than at any time during the last 10 years.

The plan the Wilfs continue to support is building a stadium in Arden Hills.  The Vikings would welcome a special legislative session this year to pass an Arden Hills bill.

Vikings executive Lester Bagley, who has been involved with the stadium issue for years, told Sports Headliners the Vikings are “100 percent committed” to the Arden Hills plan that would have Ramsey County, the state and Vikings contributing to build a facility expected to cost about $1 billion.

“We’re adamant and optimistic we’re going to get it done,” he said.

Bagley declined to predict whether a special session will be called to address the stadium issue before 2011 ends, saying a decision is up to political leaders.  He reminded, though, that the franchise’s  Metrodome lease expires after this season, and also said that delaying approval of a stadium will cost about $53 million more because of inflation.

Specifics of a deal between the Vikings, county and state are so close to being finalized that Bagley said remaining details could be “ironed out in a few hours.”

Based on sources Sports Headliners hears from, St. Paul backers are worried the stadium may be built in Minneapolis, likely the Farmers Market site.  Minneapolis stadium supporters believe Arden Hills is clearly in the stadium derby lead.

Either the Arden Hills or Farmers Market sites will allow the Vikings to continue to play in the Metrodome until a new stadium is built.  The third option of building on the Metrodome site would force the Vikings to play at TCF Bank Stadium for a few seasons.  That is not a temporary transition the franchise ownership would welcome because the club will generate less revenue at the Gophers stadium than playing at the dome.