Minnesota Basketball 2025-26 Preview: Medved More Than Ready to Lead Gophers

BleedGopher · 2025-08-18T09:56:36-0500

Per Kraus:

Minnesota Basketball 2025-26 Preview: Medved More Than Ready to Lead Gophers

Rebuilt Roster

Minnesota finds itself with a completely new roster after the departures of 13 players from 2024-25. Medved made some noise in the transfer portal as he brought in some players from a vast background of former schools. It’s headlined by the likes of Jaylen Crocker-Johnson, who follows Niko from Colorado State. He isn’t alone, as Minnesota landed a strong point guard in Chansey Willis Jr from Western Michigan. An impressive late add in June was Cade Tyson, who transfers in from North Carolina.

Langston Reynolds (Northern Colorado) and BJ Omot (California) bring major experience in college basketball. The Gophers also hope San Jose State transfer Robert Vaihola can give them a massive post presence in the very physical Big Ten. At 6’8″ and 260 pounds, Vaihola certainly fills a massive need for the Gophers. They have to make up for the graduation of Dawson Garcia, who was a big-time scorer and rebounder for Minnesota basketball for years.

The Gophers were able to bring in a Philly product shooting guard from the high school ranks, as Kai Shinholster will try to make a mark in the rotation as a freshman. Keeping Isaac Asuma in town wasn’t a bad move either, as he returns for his sophomore season.

What to Expect for the Gophers?

So, what can we expect from Minnesota basketball in year one of the Medved era? I expect them to be physical, and if they can get their crowd rocking at the Barn, that will make things interesting, with so many opportunities to win at home. Minnesota hasn’t made the NCAA Tournament since 2019. I’m not saying they get there this season, but I expect Niko to have the Gophers ready to challenge everyone on their schedule.