St. Paul’s star guard is the first 2026 commit to Niko Medved’s Gophers

Niko Medved and his coaching staff have landed their first commitment for the 2026 class—a talented point guard out of East Ridge.

 

 

 

Point guard is often the hardest position to lock down, but with Isaac Asuma already on board and now the addition of Cedric Tomes, the Gopher basketball program looks set at the spot for the foreseeable future.

Cedric Tomes

Pos: PG
Ht: 6’0”
Wt: 160

 

A St. Paul standout shone brightly in his junior year at East Ridge, dropping over 27 points per game and earning conference player of the year honors. He’s holding his own among Minnesota’s elite juniors with D1 Minnesota.

This commitment highlights Dave Thorson’s knack for nurturing ties through the coaching change, with Medved’s connection sealing the deal. Ranked among Minnesota’s top five, the guard drew offers from Iowa State, Oklahoma, Saint Louis, and Northern Iowa. A rising star this spring, he brings an aggressive edge and a smooth shooting touch, reminiscent of Asuma but with a sharper offensive flair.

 

 

 

 

Tomes is a slam-dunk pickup for Medved and the Gophers. Securing a high-caliber starting point guard—and depth at the position—has been a hurdle for Minnesota in recent years. With Asuma locked in as the starting point guard for his tenure in maroon and gold, Tomes can slide in as a backup early, honing his skills before taking the reins of the offense as he develops.

Don’t sleep on him—he’ll see the court early and often. This is a stellar commitment for Medved’s vision.

Looking ahead, recruiting needs in today’s college basketball landscape are tough to pin down. High school recruiting isn’t the powerhouse it once was, but it’s still crucial. Ryan Keager, a 6’9” big man from Faribault, is a top target for the staff. He’d bring positional balance and class depth, and his prior recruitment by Colorado State gives Medved’s team a head start. Dothan Ijadimbola, another local talent with an offer from Medved, could also be a fantastic addition as a wing.

Tomes is the cornerstone of the 2026 class, and he’s poised to thrive in this system. Check out his highlight reel from a recent Chicago event for a taste of what’s coming.

 

SOURCE: Thedailygopher

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*