The Gophers were the first to offer a scholarship to Theo John.
Theo John, a 6-foot-9 sophomore center from Champlin Park (MN) High, helped lead the Rebels to a 31-1 record and a spot in the Class AAAA finals where they lost to Apple Valley 64-61 on Saturday night.
John, who is considered the state’s top big man in the Class of 2017 received a scholarship offer from his home town Gophers on Monday night. After receiving the offer from Coach Pitino, John tweeted: “Truly Blessed….hard work does pay off and lots of motivation to keep grinding.”
GopherHole caught up with John after their win in the State Tournament on Wednesday to talk about the latest on his early recruitment.
Gopher Hole: The feeling about your team is that you have a lot of good players and you play really, really well together. Is that something that you take pride in how well you play together?
Theo John: We are brothers and we are looking for each other all the time. Individual stats and stuff doesn’t matter to us as long as we get the “W.”
Gopher Hole: I know that it is still so early in your recruitment, being only a sophomore, but what schools are you starting to hear from? (Minnesota offered on Monday night)
Theo John: Wisconsin, Minnesota, Northwestern and a few other ones.
Gopher Hole: I know that you have had a chance to go to a few college basketball games this season. Where all have you been?
Theo John: I have been to Wisconsin a few times. I have been to the U a few times and Creighton a few times.
Gopher Hole: What Gopher games were you at?
Theo John: It was a preseason game and I just went to the Penn State game the other day.
Gopher Hole: What are you hearing from the Gophers? What are they saying to you?
Theo John: They just say, keep working and they have had me down as a guest a few times.
Gopher Hole: What things have you been really working on to continue to improve yourself as a player?
Theo John: I am working on my outside game a little bit, but whatever will benefit the team right now, because this year, is what I am really tuned in on.
Gopher Hole: Last year, you played for Howard Pulley. What are your summer plans this season?
Theo John: Howard Pulley. EYBL, I believe.
Gopher Hole: How much do you think is going to help you playing on their top team against some of the best players in the country?
Theo John: It will benefit me a lot. I’ll get that experience and get to play with some good guys and get to play against some good guys.
Gopher Hole: What do you as your strengths as a player?
Theo John: I’ll hustle for everything. Defensively. Offensively. Rebound and block shots. That is what I am here for.
Gopher Hole: You mentioned shot blocking and that seems to be one of your top skills. Where do get that from and is it more of a timing thing?
Theo John: It is just natural, once I see someone come in the lane looking for the hoop, my eyes light up and I am looking to send that. Send a message to make sure that he doesn’t make his next shot.
Gopher Hole: What would it mean to play Division I basketball?
Theo John: It would be a blessing. I have been working for it my whole life and it is the only thing in the world that I want.
Gopher Hole: What would it mean to maybe have the chance to play for the home state school?
Theo John: It would nice playing for my hometown. We’ll see if everything works out and if it is the best fit, I could see myself there, but if not, time will tell.
Gopher Hole: Did you have a favorite team growing up?
Theo John: I just like watching basketball. It doesn’t matter who it is or where it is. I just love watching the game
Gopher Hole: Are there certain players that you watch for. Big men that you try to emulate or learn from?
Theo John: I try to watch tape on Hakeem Olajuwon and Tim Duncan and the classical big men and see what they are doing and learn as much I can.
Gopher Hole: Those are good guys to watch.
Theo John: Yes, sir.