Gophers Mbakwe, Hollins make All-Big Ten rosters, but where’s Rodney?

Feb 14, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Gophers forward Rodney Williams Jr. (33) reacts to being fouled in the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Williams Arena. The Gophers defeated the Badgers 58-53 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Marilyn Indahl-USA TODAY Sports

Sixth-year senior and current Gopher power forward Trevor Mbakwe was named to the media’s All-Big Ten second team roster on Monday.

Mbakwe is averaging 10 points per game and nearly nine rebounds for the 20-11 Gophers who will begin the Big Ten Tournament at the end of the week.

In addition to the media honor, Mbakwe was also named in the coaches third team roster.

Teammate Andre Hollins was also named — twice.

The sophomore point guard was on the media’s third team and the coaches’ honorable mention list.

No Gophers were named to the All-Defensive or All-Freshman team but the worst news of all is that the Wisconsin Badgers head coach Bo Ryan was named the Big Ten Coach of the Year.

But hey — where’s Rodney Williams?

The television commentators certainly love Williams’ leaping ability and athleticism. And despite averaging more than 10 points per game along with five rebounds, there wasn’t enough love apparently for Williams who was not even an honorable mention.

But Williams has been spotty and sometimes a non-factor for Minnesota this season.

In the first nine games this year, Williams scored in double-digits each time while averaging more than two blocks per contest.

Yet, since the Big Ten opener against Michigan State in which Williams scored 15 points, the senior from Minneapolis scored more than 13 points just once in the last 17 games while also posting three scoreless games within the last month.

Williams will certainly be remembered after he graduates. In fact, he may even find more success in the NBA than Mbakwe. But his inconsistent play throughout his collegiate career will certainly take a swing at his legacy of being not just an awe-inspiring dunker, but as a packaged basketball player.