Head coach Niko Medved is assembling his first roster at the University of Minnesota, crafting a versatile and deep team filled with experienced players capable of creating off the dribble and shooting from beyond the arc.
On Sunday, the team added 6-foot-7 wing Cade Tyson, who committed to the Gophers. While Tyson saw limited action at North Carolina last season, he was a standout at Belmont in 2023-24, leading the nation with a 46.5% three-point shooting percentage on 5.5 attempts per game.
The roster’s composition suggests Medved may deploy four point or combo guards, three players suited for shooting guard or forward roles, and two or three post players who can also shoot from distance. This setup provides Medved with significant flexibility and depth to work with.
The guards: Willis Jr., Asuma, Reynolds and Stephens
At the University of Minnesota, head coach Niko Medved’s inaugural roster is taking shape with a talented backcourt. Key guards include:
- Chansey Willis Jr.: Averaged 16.8 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.8 rebounds at Western Michigan last season, shooting 42.4% from the field, 28.4% from three, and 72.4% from the free-throw line.
- Isaac Asuma: Posted 5.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists as a freshman, with shooting splits of 43.7% from the field, 35.7% from three, and 63.6% from the line.
- Langston Reynolds: Excelled at Northern Colorado with 16.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, shooting an impressive 59.3% from the field, 40.9% from three, and 66.9% from the free-throw line.
- Chance Stephens: Limited to just seven games at Maryland last season due to injury, making him a potential wildcard.
Asuma, a hometown talent, was Medved’s top recruiting priority and is likely to log significant minutes as a sophomore. Willis Jr. shone at Western Michigan, but Reynolds’ performance at Northern Colorado was arguably more impressive. Stephens’ limited play last season leaves his role uncertain.
Projection: Reynolds and Asuma are likely to start, with Willis Jr. bringing energy and playmaking off the bench. All three should see substantial minutes. Reynolds (6-4) likely edges out Willis (6-2) for a starting spot due to his superior three-point shooting and size advantage.
The “bigs”: Crocker-Johnson, Vaihola and Turner
The frontcourt for Niko Medved’s first University of Minnesota roster features promising big men:
- Jaylen Crocker-Johnson: Averaged 9.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 0.8 assists at Colorado State, shooting 49.1% from the field, 35.4% from three, and 75.9% from the free-throw line.
- Robert Vaihola: Recorded 7.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists at San Jose State, with shooting splits of 53.6% from the field, no three-point attempts, and 64.3% from the line.
- Nehemia Turner: Posted 8.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists at Central Arkansas, shooting 51.3% from the field, 26.7% from three, and 68.5% from the free-throw line.
Crocker-Johnson, who followed Medved from Colorado State, is a certain starter and has the potential to thrive in the Big Ten. His ability to shoot from deep, score inside, and rebound effectively makes him a versatile threat. Medved praised Vaihola’s tenacity on the boards during his time at San Jose State. Turner, a 6-foot-10 big man with only one year of college experience, was described by Medved as having a “high ceiling.”
Projection: Crocker-Johnson is a guaranteed starter, Vaihola serves as the primary big off the bench, and Turner’s role is expected to expand as the season progresses. With just one year at Central Arkansas, Turner has three more seasons to develop with the Gophers.
The others: Grove, Reader, Sheridan, Meister, Shinholster
Grayson Grove, a top 2024 recruit who stayed with Minnesota despite the coaching change, could face challenges breaking into the rotation as a redshirt freshman. While his potential is notable, the depth of the roster may limit his immediate impact. Similarly, Erick Reader, Max Sheridan, and 2025 recruit Kai Shinholster are unlikely to see significant playing time this season.
The depth chart
The 2025-26 Minnesota roster lacks a traditional center unless Nehemia Turner earns substantial minutes, leading to a projected starting lineup with two guards and three forwards. Medved is likely to rely on an eight-man rotation, potentially expanding to nine if Turner, with his high ceiling, contributes early.
We could also be completely wrong about this. Until then, this looks pretty good.
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