Gophers’ Ellenson does not make trip to Texas

Feb 20, 2013; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes guard Alex Rogers (14) beats Minnesota Golden Gophers guard Wally Ellenson (3) to a loose ball at the Schottenstein Center. Ohio State won the game 71-45. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

Freshman Wally Ellenson of Rice Lake, Wisc. reportedly has the flu and did not fly with the Gophers to Austin, Tex. Wednesday afternoon as the team prepares for their first round match up against UCLA in the NCAA Tournament.

Ellenson has had a tough first year,  only appearing in nine games this season after returning from a broken hand.

Coach Tubby Smith wanted to redshirt the 6-foot-4 guard, but Ellenson and his parents decided it was best to play Ellenson this year instead of waiting.

His first appearance was in December against North Dakota State University. Playing only four minutes, Ellenson recorded one point on a free throw.

From there, Ellenson played sporadically for a total of 44 total minutes the rest of the season.

Unless the Gophers make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, it’s likely his freshman basketball season is over.

Ellenson will be joining the track and field team as a high jumper once the basketball season ends.