The Gophers men’s basketball program has its eyes on a promising talent, Babou Ann, and they’re not alone. Head coach Niko Medved and his assistants were front and center when Ann’s Maple Grove team took down Wayzata in a thrilling Class 4A showdown earlier this month. Joining them in the packed gym was Iowa State assistant Kyle Green, a testament to Ann's rising profile.
Ann, a four-star prospect, has captured the attention of major programs, including the Gophers, Cyclones, and Wisconsin Badgers. “Those are the big three for me right now,” Ann shared, though he remains open to other opportunities.
Standing at 6-foot-5, Ann is a smooth, defensive-minded wing and currently the No. 2 recruit in Minnesota for the upcoming year, according to 247Sports composite rankings. He trails only Hopkins forward Ahmed Nur, while being just ahead of Cretin-Derham Hall’s Ty Schlagel. Interestingly, the Gophers haven't pursued Nur or Schlagel, with the latter already committed to Nebraska.
Medved’s recruiting class features two in-state talents: East Ridge guard Ced Tomes and Wayzata wing Nolen Anderson. Ann is familiar with both, having played alongside them in the elite D1 Minnesota club program.
During his recent visits to his top three schools, Ann soaked in the unique atmospheres. At Iowa State, he was swept up by the “Hilton magic,” describing the energy at Hilton Coliseum as electrifying.
“Everyone was on their feet the whole entire game,” Ann recalled. “I felt like I was ready to play the game myself.”
Wisconsin’s environment also left an impression. Ann admired the trust between the fans, players, and Coach Greg Gard, saying it was evident in their game demeanor. With Minnesota just a short drive from his home, Ann has visited the U frequently, appreciating how Coach Medved keeps the team competitive despite injuries.
The Gophers are pitching Ann to stay local and become a cornerstone in their rebuilding efforts. “I want a place that has a good developing plan for me,” Ann said. He’s looking for a program where he can contribute as a freshman, even in a limited role, while learning the system.
Ann plans to make his college decision before his senior season kicks off next fall, with an official announcement expected during the November early signing period.
Basketball isn’t Ann’s only forte. His father hails from Gambia, and his brother Alasan represented the country in taekwondo at the Paris Summer Olympics. Ann credits taekwondo with instilling discipline and mental toughness, traits he carries onto the basketball court.
Starting varsity as a freshman, Ann quickly made his mark with clutch performances. Maple Grove head coach Nick Schroeder recalls Ann’s confidence in hitting game-winners early in his career. Ann has since refined his shooting and ball-handling, but prides himself on his defensive prowess.
In the recent matchup against Wayzata, Ann showcased his athleticism despite early foul trouble. His defensive stops and crafty offensive moves caught the attention of college coaches, including a notable reaction from Gophers assistant Chad Warner.
This season, Ann is averaging 21 points, four rebounds, four assists, and 1.5 steals, shooting an impressive 65% from the field. Coach Schroeder, who’s been at the helm for 16 seasons, praises Ann not only for his on-court talent but also for his character and academic achievements.
“He’s one of the best, not only as a player,” Schroeder said. “He’s an amazing talent on the court, but what a lot of people don’t see is how he is off the court … how he interacts with our community and especially our young kids.
That’s a special thing. Just a great kid.”