A New Chapter for Minnesota Basketball
The University of Minnesota announced this week that Niko Medved will remain at the helm of the men’s basketball program through the 2032 season, a move that secures the coach’s vision for the program’s long‑term growth.
In his inaugural year, Medved guided the Gophers to a 15‑18 overall record, finishing 8‑12 in Big Ten play and securing a spot in the College Basketball Crown, marking the team’s return to postseason competition after a brief absence.
First Season in the Big Ten
The season featured three victories over ranked opponents, underscoring the team’s ability to compete with the conference’s elite, while the squad also earned a Team Academic Excellence Award from the NABC for posting a collective GPA above 3.0.
A Journey Through the Coaching Ranks
Medved’s résumé includes stints at Colorado State, Drake and Furman, where he compiled a track record of tournament appearances, conference titles and coach‑of‑the‑year honors, building a foundation that prepared him for the Big Ten challenge.
At Colorado State he led the Rams to three NCAA tournament appearances and a 2025 Mountain West tournament championship, while at Drake he posted a 17‑17 record in 2017‑18 and at Furman he captured the 2017 Southern Conference regular‑season title and earned coach‑of‑the‑year honors.
Career Milestones and Player Development
Over 13 seasons he has amassed a 237‑190 record, achieved six 20‑win campaigns and mentored players to 25 all‑conference selections and three player‑of‑the‑year awards, a testament to his ability to develop talent.
Looking Forward
With the contract extended through 2032, the Gophers aim to translate early progress into sustained contention, leveraging Medved’s experience and the program’s academic strengths to attract recruits who can elevate the team both on and off the court.