Is it over-the-top to make bold guesses about who gets picked for Big Ten Media Days? Maybe, but we’re diving in regardless.
The Big Ten revealed that Gophers sophomore guard and Colorado State transfer forward Jaylen Crocker-Johnson will accompany first-year head coach Niko Medved to the conference’s annual event on October 8-9 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois.
Since Jaylen Crocker-Johnson is the only player on Minnesota’s roster with prior experience under Coach Niko Medved, his selection to represent the Gophers at Big Ten Media Days is hardly shocking. However, the decision to also bring sophomore guard Isaac Asuma to the event in Chicago carries weight.
Medved has emphasized how crucial it was to keep Asuma, highlighting his importance to the program’s future. Choosing a true sophomore to represent the team at Media Days signals significant confidence in the Cherry, Minnesota native from the coaching staff.
“He’s a highly talented young man, but more than that, he’s just an outstanding person. I love being around him every day,” Medved said of Asuma in early September. “He needs to keep improving and find that inner fire and confidence to truly step up. I think we’ll see him grow in that way this year.”
Minnesota added two experienced transfer guards this offseason, Chansey Willis Jr. from Western Michigan and Langston Reynolds from Northern Colorado both of whom have proven they can contribute at the Division I level and could start. This raises questions about the Gophers’ starting backcourt lineup.
Asuma’s inclusion at Big Ten Media Days strongly suggests he’s in line to start. Last season, as a true freshman, he showed promise, averaging 5.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. With arguably the highest ceiling on the roster, it makes sense for Medved to give him significant freedom in a season with modest expectations.
Whether Willis or Reynolds will join Asuma in the starting backcourt is still unclear. The Gophers have two exhibition games next month against North Dakota State (Oct. 16) and North Dakota (Oct. 25) to test different lineups.
Source: SI.com
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