MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota men’s basketball team has arrived at the official start of the season.

The Gophers will host Bucknell at Williams Arena on Friday night.

Coach Tubby Smith says he expects his team’s emotions and energy level to be high, after so-so performances in exhibition games earlier this month. Smith also wants his young point guards to play steadier, never an easy task for newcomers at a critical position. He says freshman Andre Hollins will probably be the starter.

Smith is also urging center Ralph Sampson to play with more toughness. He wants the senior to be more physical in the post and not rely so much on his outside jump shot.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)