Isaac Asuma is staying golden with the Gophers
Isaac Asuma grew up playing multiple sports, but basketball ultimately led him to become a Minnesota Gopher. Until seventh grade, basketball ranked third among his sports, behind baseball and football. “Something just clicked, and I thought, ‘I can do this,’” Asuma recalled.
His mother, Jolene, noted that baseball was initially his favorite, even after trying football and basketball. The COVID-19 pandemic shifted things when baseball season was canceled, and Asuma focused on basketball that summer. “He grew a lot and realized, ‘This is my sport,’” Jolene said. Though he continued playing baseball and football in high school, basketball became his passion.
Both Isaac and Jolene appreciate the accessibility of Gopher games for family. “I’m thrilled he stayed in Minnesota,” Jolene said. “We attended every home game, and it was a weekly highlight.”
Asuma is one of three players returning to the Gophers for the 2025-2026 season, alongside Grayson Grove and Erick Reader. As a freshman, he averaged 5.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 24.7 minutes per game, with a solid debut against Oral Roberts, scoring six points, adding two assists, and one steal.
A key reason Asuma stayed was the new head coach, Niko Medved, who replaced Ben Johnson after the latter’s firing in March 2025. “After one meeting with Medved, I knew I wanted to stay,” Asuma said. “He has the right mindset and can turn this program around.” Grove echoed this, citing Medved’s exciting vision for the team and valuing Asuma’s dependable presence. “Isaac’s the guy you can always count on,” Grove said.
Jolene highlighted Isaac’s level-headedness as a strength. “He’s never too high or low—very stoic,” she said. “You can’t tell if he just made a half-court shot or had a turnover.”
With a nearly new roster, the Gophers have been bonding during summer practices. Asuma enjoys the energy and talent of his new teammates, and off the court, they’ve been hanging out and grabbing food together.
Looking ahead, Asuma aims to be an All-Big Ten player but prioritizes team success. “I got a lot of playing time last year, so I hope my offseason work pays off and helps the team win,” he said.
SOURCE: THE MINNESOTA DAILY
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