Men’s basketball head coach Ben Johnson introduced University of Minnesota President Joan Gabel to the team during Tuesday’s practice to help award junior Will Ramberg a scholarship as the team made final preparations for their upcoming season.

“It’s really fun for me to be able to come out and see you all start your year,” Gabel said as she started talking to the team. “I have a message for you that I would like you all to read to yourselves.”

Gabel then asked Ramberg to read an introductory message for the upcoming season to the rest of the team. It wasn’t until he reached the end of his statement that he found out the news.

Hard work never goes unnoticed, congratulations on your scholarship @willramberg!

Thanks for the assist, President Gabel! pic.twitter.com/HjSZoXDo1v

— Minnesota Men’s Basketball (@GopherMBB) September 6, 2022

“From Day 1, there was no expectations and he just kept grinding and grinding and grinding and is a big part of what we are doing,” Johnson said in the video posted to Twitter

After transferring from McGill University in Canada, Ramberg appeared in 13 games in his first season with the Gophers. He averaged 3.7 minutes per game, totaling five points and four rebounds for the season.

Hailing from Grand Marais, Minnesota, Ramberg could be in line for an increased role for the upcoming season. The Gophers will tip off their 2022-23 campaign on Nov. 2 in an exhibition game against local Division III St. Olaf College.