Gophers Basketball Takes Aim at Top Minnesota Recruits Under New Coach Niko Medved

In an exciting new chapter for Gophers basketball, head coach Niko Medved is on a mission to solidify the Minnesota recruiting pipeline. Before targeting the state's standout high school players, Medved is focused on retaining top talent already within the program.

One of those players, Ijadimbola, expressed confidence in Medved's coaching prowess. “I think highly of him,” Ijadimbola remarked, noting Medved’s NCAA tournament experience with mid-major schools. With the Gophers' new direction, many, including Ijadimbola, are eager to see how Medved will navigate the intense competition of the Big Ten.

Hopkins junior guard Jayden Moore, another key player on the radar, has had a spectacular season, leading Minnesota with 270 assists, along with multiple triple-doubles and even a quadruple-double—a feat that underscores his exceptional skill. Moore is hopeful that he'll foster a stronger relationship with Medved than he did with the previous coaching staff, saying, “Hopefully I can build a relationship with him better than [Johnson]. Then I would consider staying home.”

The spotlight also shines on young talents such as Ty Schlagel from Cretin-Derham Hall and Baboucarr Ann from Maple Grove. As the only sophomores to receive offers from the former coach, they have time to weigh their options for the future, with Medved now leading the Gophers.

Standing at 6-5, Ann is set to play for D1 Minnesota’s 17U team this year, and his admiration for Medved’s impressive track record is evident. “I feel like my interest in the school is the same because Minnesota is one of my favorite schools,” Ann stated. “But having him as a coach would be a plus.”

Schlagel, ranked No. 47 in the 2027 class by 247Sports, adds fuel to the excitement with his perspective: “It’s an exciting time for Gophers basketball. He has been a very successful D-I coach and brings a lot to [Minnesota].”

As Medved looks to reshape the future of Gophers basketball, the question remains: who will be the first high school player from Minnesota to receive a scholarship offer under the new regime? Medved recognizes the immense potential within the state and is determined to keep top talent local.

“I think people are dying for a winner here,” Medved stated. “It starts with changing the narrative that you can come right here and have everything you need and want to be successful. It just takes one to say, ‘I’m all in, I’m coming. I want to be a Gopher.’ Then what happens? The next guy wants to do that.”

With Medved at the helm, Gophers basketball fans can expect a revitalized recruitment strategy aimed at building a powerhouse team that keeps Minnesota’s brightest talents close to home. Prepare for an exhilarating season ahead as the Gophers aim to reclaim their place in the competitive landscape of college basketball!