BleedGopher
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Per Marcus:
Word is the top 16U and 17U D1 Minnesota teams faced off in a practice earlier this spring, and the younger boys had the edge. Tomes, Wiggins and Eden Prairie's Nolan Anderson joined D1 Minnesota from Team Tyus after the AAU program sponsored by former Apple Valley star and NBA guard Tyus Jones folded in the offseason.
Tomes was key. The crafty 6-foot point guard played at the Gophers team camp last summer with East Ridge and shined in front of Johnson and his staff. Tomes' deep shooting range and floor leadership also attracted an early offer from Iowa State.
"When some schools see younger players have potential, there's no reason to wait," Tomes said. "If you get on them early, that makes it a lot easier for developing [relationship] purposes. I love the [Gophers] coaching staff. They're always welcoming. I love going to their games, no matter who they're playing."
Tomes and Ijadimbola often attended Gophers games together at Williams Arena last season. Ijadimbola's one of the highest rated local prospects across all classes at 45th nationally in 2026 by 247 Sports and 52nd by Rivals. His best offers right now are from Iowa State, Iowa, Oklahoma, and the Gophers.
Ijadimbola, a powerfully built 6-6 wing, capped off his high school season with Totino-Grace's second straight Class 3A state title at the Barn in March. His goals are high for AAU as well.
D1 Minnesota 16U's reputation building this spring could create more exposure in recruiting this summer.
"To get to that commitment point, you want to have a lot of options," Ijadimbola said. "But we're not focused on that. We're just trying to hoop and play. Winning attracts coaches."
www.startribune.com
Go Gophers!!
Word is the top 16U and 17U D1 Minnesota teams faced off in a practice earlier this spring, and the younger boys had the edge. Tomes, Wiggins and Eden Prairie's Nolan Anderson joined D1 Minnesota from Team Tyus after the AAU program sponsored by former Apple Valley star and NBA guard Tyus Jones folded in the offseason.
Tomes was key. The crafty 6-foot point guard played at the Gophers team camp last summer with East Ridge and shined in front of Johnson and his staff. Tomes' deep shooting range and floor leadership also attracted an early offer from Iowa State.
"When some schools see younger players have potential, there's no reason to wait," Tomes said. "If you get on them early, that makes it a lot easier for developing [relationship] purposes. I love the [Gophers] coaching staff. They're always welcoming. I love going to their games, no matter who they're playing."
Tomes and Ijadimbola often attended Gophers games together at Williams Arena last season. Ijadimbola's one of the highest rated local prospects across all classes at 45th nationally in 2026 by 247 Sports and 52nd by Rivals. His best offers right now are from Iowa State, Iowa, Oklahoma, and the Gophers.
Ijadimbola, a powerfully built 6-6 wing, capped off his high school season with Totino-Grace's second straight Class 3A state title at the Barn in March. His goals are high for AAU as well.
D1 Minnesota 16U's reputation building this spring could create more exposure in recruiting this summer.
"To get to that commitment point, you want to have a lot of options," Ijadimbola said. "But we're not focused on that. We're just trying to hoop and play. Winning attracts coaches."
Minnesota top AAU basketball team has two Gophers recruiting targets
The Gophers are among schools that have offered scholarships to Dothan Ijadimbola of Totino-Grace and Cedric Tomes of East Ridge, who are summer AAU teammates.
www.startribune.com
Go Gophers!!