Niko Medved Returns Home

In a surprising midnight shake-up, Minnesota athletic director Mark Coyle has officially ended Ben Johnson's tenure as the coach of the men's basketball team, setting his sights on a familiar face: Niko Medved. The Golden Gophers have successfully snagged Medved, who is making a triumphant return to his hometown of Minneapolis after a stellar run at Colorado State.

The Announcement

While specifics on the official announcement remain pending, sources report a press conference is scheduled to showcase Medved as the new head coach. His departure from Colorado State comes on the heels of an impressive 2024-25 season, where he led the Rams to the NCAA Tournament, notably pulling off an upset against 5-seeded Memphis. In a thrilling near-upset against Maryland, Colorado State's journey ended tragically with a last-second buzzer-beater by freshman sensation Derik Queen, leaving fans and experts divided over the controversial call.

A Minnesota Native

With a wealth of experience under his belt, the 51-year-old Medved is not just a successful coach but a Minnesota native and Golden Gophers alumnus, having graduated in 1997. His impressive resume boasts seven seasons at Colorado State, where he guided the Rams to the NCAA Tournament three times and racked up a remarkable 143 wins. Medved is recognized as a master program-builder, having transformed Furman from nine wins in his first season to an impressive 23 by the fourth year. His tenure at Drake saw equally transformative results, flipping the program's wins from seven to 17 in just one season.

Player Development Success

Under Medved's leadership, Colorado State flourished in player development, producing NBA-caliber talents such as David Roddy, Isaiah Stevens, and the up-and-coming Nique Clifford. This record of success positions Medved as a critical figure in Minnesota’s ambition to fortify its basketball reputation within the competitive Big Ten conference.

Challenges Ahead

However, the Golden Gophers face significant challenges ahead. To regain footing in a conference that demands excellence, Minnesota will need to boost investment in its men’s basketball program, particularly regarding Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) initiatives that have left them languishing at the bottom tier in recent years.

Looking Ahead

As the coaching landscape shifts in Fort Collins, Colorado State’s associate head coach, Ali Farokhmanesh, has emerged as a leading candidate to fill Medved’s shoes. With so much at stake, the forthcoming days promise to be pivotal for both Minnesota and Colorado State as they embark on new chapters in their basketball journeys. Stay tuned as we follow this evolving story!