Gophers

The University of Minnesota has hired Ben Johnson to be its next men's basketball head coach. Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan joined me on WJON today. He says with Johnson's background as a Minneapolis native, former Gopher player and assistant coach and his connection with the local AAU scene he's well equipped to recruit and land top Minnesota talent.

Minnesota has picked former player and assistant Ben Johnson to be the new head men's basketball coach, according to a person with knowledge of the hire.

The Gopher men's basketball team lost both games last week to the two worst teams in the Big Ten and talks of Richard Pitino being replaced after the season seems to be gaining momentum. Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan joined me on WJON today. He says one hurdle for the University is buying out the remaining portion of Pitino's contract while the University is hurting for money due to the pandemic.

The Gopher men's basketball team lost their 4th game in a row Thursday night 67-59 at home against Northwestern. Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan joined me on WJON today. He says this was a bad loss and now makes the NCAA tournament an unlikelihood for them.

Minnesota guard Gabe Kalscheur will miss three to four weeks with a broken finger on his shooting hand.

Eric Ayala had 21 points and three steals to help Maryland deliver another road upset of a ranked Big Ten opponent.

The Vikings will play Sunday without running back Dalvin Cook. Cook's father, James passed away unexpectedly Tuesday. Cook is with family in Miami, Florida. Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan joined me on WJON today. He says the Vikings will play to win at Detroit despite not having any real incentive to win.

The 21st ranked Gopher men's basketball team won their 3rd game in a row and 9th this season 81-56 over #17 Michigan State Monday night at Williams Arena. The Gophers led 36-16 at halftime and outscored the Spartans 45-40 in the 2nd half. Minnesota dominated the boards outrebounding Michigan State 52-36.

The Timberwolves won 129-127 in overtime at Dallas against the Mavericks Thursday night. Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan joined me on WJON today. He says the Wolves' best players are their guards and wings which could lead them to playing a lot of smaller lineups this season.

The Gopher men's basketball team lost out on 4-star 6'5 guard Kerwin Walton from Hopkins. Walton chose North Carolina over Minnesota, Arizona, Creighton, Georgetown and Vanderbilt. Walton is ranked as the 99th best 2020 senior according to 247 Sports.