Minneapolis, MN — The Minnesota Golden Gophers men’s basketball program, now led by head coach Niko Medved, is reshaping its roster for the 2025-26 season through a strategic mix of high school recruiting and transfer portal additions. With up to 11 scholarship spots potentially available, Medved’s first full recruiting cycle is a critical step toward reviving the program’s Big Ten standing.
The 2025 high school class centers on Kai Shinholster, a 6-foot-5 three-star guard from Philadelphia’s William Penn Charter School, ranked 254th nationally by 247Sports. Shinholster, known for his versatile scoring and playmaking, remained committed despite the coaching change from Ben Johnson to Medved. His ability to play both guard spots adds flexibility to the Gophers’ backcourt. However, the class took hits when signees Jacob Ross and Parker Jefferson requested releases post-transition, leaving Shinholster as the lone high school commit.
Medved targeted in-state star Nolan Groves, the 2025 Minnesota Gatorade Player of the Year from Orono, who averaged 34.1 points per game. Groves, initially committed to Yale, reopened his recruitment but chose Texas Tech over Minnesota, a blow to local recruiting efforts.
The Gophers also offered Christian Wiggins, a 2026 four-star guard from Wayzata, signaling a long-term focus on Minnesota talent.
In the transfer portal, Medved secured three key additions to bolster a thin roster that includes returning freshman Isaac Asuma and redshirt freshman Grayson Grove. B.J. Omot (Cal), a 6-foot-8 forward with 14.3 points per game at North Dakota, brings scoring and experience. Jaylen Crocker-Johnson (Colorado State), a 6-foot-8 forward, adds efficient scoring with 9.0 points per game. Brennan Reynolds (Western Michigan), a 6-foot-5 guard, offers veteran presence with 16.0 points and 40.9% three-point shooting. Additional targets like Shawn Phillips Jr. (Arizona State) could further deepen the roster.
Despite a $5-$6 million roster budget, competition for top transfers and NIL deals poses challenges. Missing Groves and other in-state 2025 prospects like Jalen Wilson highlights Medved’s shift from Johnson’s local focus. Still, early 2026 recruiting success, with five verbal commitments, shows promise.
Medved’s 2025 class blends Shinholster’s potential with transfer firepower. As portal activity continues and official visits loom, the Gophers are poised to craft a competitive roster, aiming for a Big Ten resurgence.
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