Gophers basketball looks to excel with strong backcourt this season

Minnesota basketball head coach Niko Medved is optimistic about the team's backcourt as the 2026-27 season approaches. Key players include returnees Jaylen Crocker-Johnson and Isaac Asuma, along with North Carolina transfer Kyan Evans, who is expected to fill a vital lead guard role. Medved emphasized Evans' familiarity with the team's system, comparing his impact to that of a veteran returner. Asuma is expected to lead alongside Evans, aiming to improve a backcourt that has struggled since the team’s last NCAA appearance in 2019. The Gophers' regular season begins on November 2, with expectations for a stronger performance overall.

• 2:15 PMYahoo Sports — Gophers may have their best backcourt in years, and Niko Medved knows it