The Gophers men’s basketball team is readying itself for the 2026-27 season, after going 15-18 overall last season. Returning veterans and stability on the coaching front are providing the Gophers with continuity, a trait the team has lacked in years previous.
In March of 2025, the men’s basketball team hired head coach Niko Medved. The 2025-26 season marked Medved’s first season with the Gophers.
Along with a new coach, the Gophers entered the 2025-26 season with almost a completely new roster. These changes made the previous season a massive rebuilding effort for the Gophers as fans watched the team develop in real time.
This offseason, multiple returning players have already spent a season working together and broadening their skills under Medved. Medved said one of the benefits of the returning players will be their ability to help the new guys adjust.
“When you get a crew of new guys coming in, you just have so many more guys who understand how we want to do things,” Medved said. “It makes the whole operation run smoother.”
The Gophers have brought in four transfers and four true freshmen for the 2026-27 season. Senior forward Jaylen Crocker-Johnson said it is clear that the new transfers are ready to learn and put in the hard work.
“I feel like there’s good spirit and joy in this gym right now,” Crocker-Johnson said. “I feel like we’re going to do good things coming up.”
Crocker-Johnson was a key player for the 2025-26 season. He started 24 games and ranked second on the team in scoring and first in rebounds, averaging 13.4 points and 6.8 rebounds per game.
Crocker-Johnson suffered a foot injury after a game against Maryland and did not play for the rest of the season. Medved said the team was able to get Crocker-Johnson cleared for spring.
“I think he had a really good spring just trying to improve his skill level and get stronger,” Medved said. “I think he will be able to play a lot more minutes, hopefully, this year back at a forward position.”
Crocker-Johnson is not the only player Medved mentioned as having an impact during the offseason. Senior guard Isaac Asuma has also contributed significantly as a consistent figure for the program.
Asuma was one of the only players who remained at Minnesota after the 2024-25 season. This season will mark his fourth with the team.
Asuma was the only player to start all 33 games during the 2025-26 season. He ranked fourth in scoring, averaging 10.9 points per game while recording 123 assists.
Medved said having a player like Asuma isn’t just impactful for the team and program, but for fans as well.
“I think it is really cool that guys can figure out a way to stay and have continuity,” Medved said. “To have guys that they can recognize and see their growth as a player and a person.”
Asuma said it is nice to be heading into the offseason with the same program as last year, as it offers stability and clear expectations.
“To be able to know what to expect for the summer, know what the coaches expect and be able to grow that way,” Asuma said.
The Gophers still have months left in their offseason, as they continue to grow and develop as a team. The work they do before it begins will be reflected in their performance during the 2026-27 season.
