MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The first two years for Ben Johnson as head coach at his alma mater Minnesota were tumultuous. The team faced numerous injuries, making it even more challenging to develop the program amidst the impact of the transfer portal and the team’s overall youth.
This season, there is pressure on Johnson to show measurable progress, despite external expectations being at an all-time low. The team was projected to finish last in the preseason poll conducted by media covering the conference.
However, there is one thing that Johnson and his staff can celebrate heading into their opener on Nov. 6 against Bethune-Cookman— they finally have a complete roster.
“Music to my ears,” Johnson said.
For the first time since taking the job, Johnson saw forwards Parker Fox and Isaiah Ihnen participating in five-on-five drills during fall practice. Both players had previously suffered torn ACLs in the last two years and were limited to rehabilitation. Their absence had a significant impact on the team’s depth.
When the team takes the court next month, Fox and Ihnen will finally be able to play in live games again after a 2 1/2-year hiatus. Fox, a former NCAA Division II All-American at Northern State, is yet to make his debut for Minnesota.
“They’re hungrier than ever,” Johnson said.
Ihnen, the only remaining player from the Richard Pitino era, might start as a wing alongside big men Dawson Garcia and Pharrel Payne, alongside new guards Cam Christie and Mike Mitchell.
Christie is considered the standout among the freshman class, while Mitchell (Pepperdine) is one of three experienced transfers, including guard Elijah Hawkins (Howard) and center Jack Wilson (Washington State). Guard Braeden Carrington and forward Joshua Ola-Joseph gained valuable experience in their freshman year alongside Payne and now return for their sophomore season.
“Taking over, I knew it wasn’t going to be a quick fix for Minnesota. That first year was tough, but it was necessary,” Johnson said. “Sometimes, you have to go through hardships to become stronger.”
FORMIDABLE FRONT COURT
Garcia, who joined the Gophers last season after transferring from North Carolina, was the team’s leading scorer and rebounder with an average of 15.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. He was also named to the preseason All-Big Ten team. Garcia, who stands at 6-foot-11, and the 6-foot-9 Payne will provide a strong inside presence for the Gophers in a conference known for its tough post players.
“Towards the end of the season, we started to build that connection,” Payne said. “We play off each other, and it definitely helps us succeed.”
STICKING WITH IT
Payne, Carrington, and Ola-Joseph, all hometown natives of Minnesota, quickly adapted to significant roles as freshmen and remain committed to the program.
“They have no idea how going through those challenges will benefit them as sophomores,” Johnson said. “It’s not going to get any harder than what they’ve already experienced.”
OUTGOING GUYS
Minnesota’s biggest loss was forward Jamison Battle, who transferred to Ohio State for his final college season. Guard Ta’Lon Cooper also left for South Carolina, leaving the team without two of their top three scorers from last season. Reserves Jaden Henley (DePaul) and Treyton Thompson (Stetson) also departed. However, Johnson will have nine returning players, the most since he took over as head coach.
SOFT LAUNCH
The Gophers have scheduled a nonconference schedule that is relatively manageable. With just one game against a high-major team (Missouri on Nov. 16), they have minimized their chances of facing a top-tier opponent. The team’s only nonconference road game is against San Francisco on Nov. 26. Five of their 11 nonconference opponents, including Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Ball State, Bethune-Cookman, IUPUI, and New Orleans, all had 20 or more losses last season.
BIG TEN BREAK
In the final season with a 14-team league, the Gophers will face six Big Ten opponents only once under the 20-game schedule format. They have advantageous matchups against Maryland and Wisconsin at home, and a road trip to Purdue, avoiding a second meeting with three of the predicted top five finishers in the preseason media poll. The consensus favorite to win the conference is Purdue, who are aiming to repeat as Big Ten champions.
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AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball
Laura Davis covers the world of basketball with precision. Her articles explore NBA and college basketball, offering game analysis, player profiles, and highlights. Laura’s passion for hoops is evident in her comprehensive basketball coverage.
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