A New Chapter for Gophers Basketball
The University of Minnesota’s men’s and women’s basketball programs are set to welcome St. Thomas for the first time in decades during the 2026‑27 season, a development that has generated considerable buzz among fans and analysts alike.
Men’s head coach Niko Medved, now in his second year at the helm, will see his squad open the series on November 6, while women’s head coach Dawn Plitzuweit, entering her fourth season, will host the Tommies on December 1. Both coaches have emphasized the importance of building momentum early, noting that the matchups mark a rare opportunity to test their teams against a program that has not faced Minnesota in many years.
Historic Matchups on the Calendar
The men’s game will take place on November 6, followed by the women’s contest on December 1. Minnesota’s all‑time record against St. Thomas when the Tommies competed in Division III stands at 6‑1, and the upcoming meetings will be the first since that era. For the women’s team, the December 1 contest will represent their inaugural encounter with St. Thomas, while the men’s game will be the first meeting since 1934.
The men’s roster will feature returning standouts such as Jaylen Crocker‑Johnson, Isaac Asuma, Grayson Griive and Bobby Durkin, who will be joined by five portal transfers and four freshmen. Among the newcomers are Kai Shinholster, Kyan Evans, Winters Grady, Nolan Groves, Malick Kordel, Malachi Palmer, Nolen Anderson, Cedric Tomes, Chadrack Mpoyi, Blake Nixon, and the promising big man Adit Kuol. On the women’s side, Dawn Plitzuweit’s squad will return All‑Big Ten selections Mara Braun, Tori McKinney and Grace Grocholski, while adding transfers Tayla Thomas, Leah Harmon and Gracie Merkle alongside freshmen Tori Oehrlein, Kylee Paben, Natalie Kussow and the versatile Adit Kuol.
Season ticket holders can secure their seats through the Gopher Ticket office, and early demand suggests the games will draw significant crowds. The excitement is palpable, with analysts predicting that the matchups could serve as a catalyst for both programs as they continue to evolve under their respective leaders.
Looking Ahead
As the 2026‑27 season approaches, the Gophers are shaping a competitive lineup that blends experienced veterans with fresh talent. The blend of coaching expertise, strategic recruiting, and a storied history against St. Thomas positions Minnesota to make a strong impression early in the campaign.