Minnesota men’s basketball coach Dan Monson announced Tuesday that sophomore guard Kris Collins has been dismissed from the team for repeated rules violations in regards to his academic responsibilities.

“I told him he could stay on scholarship as long as he abides by certain rules that I set forth today,” Monson said. “I hope that he can move forward from this.”

Collins, a junior college transfer from Collin County Community College in Texas, was expected to contribute at the point guard position this season.

But he never suited up for Minnesota – Collins was suspended for the first exhibition game last Friday for a violation of team rules.

In addition, Collins has missed more than a dozen practices this season because of a root canal, a knee injury, a separated shoulder and a meeting with an instructor.

He has been a question mark academically since signing with the Gophers. Collins was forced to take summer school classes in Texas to have enough transferable credits to be eligible.

“We’re down one body and obviously it’s an area of our team that’s a concern of ours,” Monson said. “But we’ve got to get the guys we have prepared and ready to play.”

Collins’ departure means sophomore Aaron Robinson will likely see more playing time. In addition, Ben Johnson, who Monson wanted to play more at the off-guard position, will see some time at point guard as well.

ï Freshman Stan Gaines suffered a sprained ankle on Monday but is expected to practice again Wednesday.

AP ranks Gophers No. 24

he Associated Press ranked Minnesota 24th overall in the preseason poll released on Monday.

The Gophers are also ranked 24th in the coaches poll.