The Asuma name is already known in Dinkytown as Isaac Asuma is a big part of the Gopher basketball team. The Asuma’s will double their presence on campus in the fall as younger brother Noah Asuma, Class of 2026 has signed with the Minnesota Gopher baseball program.
GopherHole recently caught up with Noah to learn more about his decision to sign with the Gophers. “Minnesota’s campus has always felt like home,” Asuma said, who balances three sports; baseball, basketball, and football all while getting recruited.
GopherHole: First off congrats on your commitment to the Gophers, what does it mean to you to play for your home state?
Noah Asuma: Thank you, I think it’s an honor. I know it is a dream of many people in Minnesota and the past couple of years we haven’t kept many people in the state and its one of those years where the best people in the state are staying in the state. So, I think its really exciting for the program in general and yeah, it is a dream come true.
GopherHole: You committed early on as a Junior, what drew you to Minnesota?
Noah Asuma: The coaches and the vision for what they have for the program. And also like I said the other top kids in the class were coming here too. So I could tell it is something different then what has happened before. And Minnesota’s campus has just always felt like home. And the coaches are really genuine people.
GopherHole: your brother, Isaac is a starting Guard for Gophers Basketball, how has it been being able to watch him grow into a community that you will soon be a part of?
Noah Asuma: It’s been really cool, it’s defiantly different having him out of the house but it just gives me confidence from what I can do and how much better I can get.
GopherHole: Has your brother playing for the Gophers persuaded you to play there as well?
Noah Asuma: Honestly, my decision did not have anything to do with my brother. My parents preached to me you have to go where you are wanted, and Minnesota just happened to be that school.
GopherHole: You have played many high school sports including football, baseball, and basketball. How have you been able to balance 3 sports while also getting recruited?
Noah Asuma: I think its definitely tough. I know a lot of football season I had to go to school, practice, and then more practice, So it’s definitely tough on your body but at the end of the day if you want it, you gotta do what you gotta do to get there.
GopherHole: You and your older and younger brother, Isaac and Isaiah, as well as your cousin have played on all 3 teams together, how would you describe playing with your family?
Noah Asuma: It’s a really cool experience and I never take it for granted because I know a lot of people would kill to have that opportunity. It’s something that we’ve always dreamed of, making it to the state tournament all of our lives so it’s just been really cool. And this is my last year with them, and we are looking to go out on top.
GopherHole: With playing all 3 sports what pushed you to go all in on baseball?
Noah Asuma: I think football is my favorite sport to play because I like hitting people and stuff like that. I just enjoy football and baseball more than basketball. But with baseball I love it but it’s just a lot safer on your body.
GopherHole: Four years down the road, how do you want to be remembered as a Gopher?
Noah Asuma: I guess everyone wants to be a fan favorite, so of course that, And I just want to be respected by everyone and people respecting me for my work ethic, leadership, and just being a good person in general.
GopherHole: Is there a quote of saying you draw motivation from?
Noah Asuma: My old basketball coach, Jaylon Holmes used to say “Done. Next.” And I think that put a lot of things in life in perspective, especially in sports, because no matter if you have a good or bad game it doesn’t matter, it’s “done, next” And whether you have a bad error or turnover in basketball its alright its just “done next” Just having that mentality has took me really far.