Minnesota's men's basketball team, led by coach Niko Medved, is gearing up for an exciting opportunity in the College Basketball Crown tournament in Las Vegas. Despite a challenging season marked by injuries to key players, the team is ready to compete, driven by the allure of a $500,000 NIL purse.
The Gophers, one of eight high-major programs in the tournament, were eager to extend their season. Medved, reflecting on the decision, said, “They wanted to play, and if they wanted to play, then I’m all in.”
The criteria for the tournament included the top Big Ten teams in the NET rankings not in the NCAA Tournament. Minnesota, finishing 11th in the Big Ten, found itself in the mix after other teams declined.
Facing Baylor at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, the Gophers will stick with their six-player rotation. Medved acknowledged the challenge but remained optimistic, stating, “It’s going to be the same way that we ended the season.”
The tournament setup is enticing, with the semifinals on Saturday and the championship on Sunday. Last year’s winners, Nebraska, took home $300,000 in NIL money. If the payout structure remains the same, Minnesota stands to gain financially with a win over Baylor.
Medved noted that the National Invitational Tournament (NIT) wasn’t the right fit this year, but the FOX-run Crown tourney made perfect sense. The tournament covers all travel expenses, adding to its appeal.
In roster news, the Gophers are bolstered by the return of key players. Point guard Isaac Asuma and wing Bobby Durkin are set to return for the 2026-27 season, joining forwards Jaylen Crocker-Johnson and Grayson Grove. Asuma, a consistent starter, averaged 11.1 points, while Durkin contributed 10.3 points and impressive 3-point shooting.
Meanwhile, assistant coach Chad Warner has departed for Clemson, leaving an opening on Medved’s staff. Additionally, players Nehemiah Turner and B.J. Omot are expected to enter the transfer portal soon.
As the Gophers head to Las Vegas, they carry the hopes of building momentum for the future under Medved’s leadership.