Recent content from Marcus Fuller
Gophers open with defense, then overwhelm Fairleigh Dickinson with offense
The Knights' Terrence Brown arrived as one of the nation's top 10 scorers but made only four shots. Meanwhile, Minnesota scored 54 points in the second half, its best period of the season.
Gophers starting big man Frank Mitchell out for Fairleigh Dickinson game
Gophers starting senior forward is sidelined for Saturday's game with concussion symptoms.
Minnesota native Brown goes from no Division I offers to a top-10 scorer in the country
Former Columbia Heights star Terrence Brown returns home to play the Gophers on Saturday for Fairleigh Dickinson.
Boys Basketball: These undecided seniors, rising juniors and sophomores are picking up interest from D-I schools
Meet the top 15 uncommitted recruits in Minnesota, including Baboucarr Ann, a Maple Grove sophomore who recently received an offer from the Gophers and coach Ben Johnson.
Gophers men's basketball players strive for change after coach demanded better leadership
Ben Johnson singled out his seniors after a loss to Indiana, and they responded in practice.
In Year Two under Cook, Gophers volleyball set foundation for brighter future
The Gophers will lose senior setter Melani Shaffmaster, but they don't expect players to leave via the transfer portal.
Inside the Gophers men's basketball team's heated loss at Indiana
The Gophers had a tense postgame meeting after Monday's loss at Indiana, and there are several factors that need to improve.
Gophers coach Johnson voices his frustration to team after 82-67 loss at Indiana
Minnesota coach Ben Johnson challenged his players to compete after Indiana dominated inside in its victory Monday night. Dawson Garcia had 22 points for the Gophers.
Mitchell's return gives Gophers a three-point shooting boost, but the backcourt's still building
The Gophers senior shot lights-out upon returning from an ankle injury. Next for the guard corps: Deal with the adjusted playing time and a changing rotation.
Minnesota's top football recruits: who they are and where they're headed
Some are seniors awaiting an opportunity, many are juniors considering options, and a few are sophomores already identified as prospects.
Gophers fall to Kentucky in second round of NCAA volleyball tournament
The Gophers showed improvement in coach Keegan Cook's second year with the program, but they were eliminated in the NCAA second round again.
Gophers volleyball survives upset scare from Western Kentucky in NCAA tournament
Minnesota won the first two sets against the Hilltoppers but dropped the third set and had to come back to win the fourth.
Loss to Michigan State exposes Gophers' defensive flaws
Gophers men's basketball coach Ben Johnson believes defense is his team's identity, but Michigan State still put up 90 points in their Big Ten opener.
Gophers get a taste of physical Big Ten basketball in loss to Michigan State
The Spartans dominated and the Gophers' scoring struggles showed in a 90-72 loss at Williams Arena.
Gophers recruiting prize Karmo says Michigan and others 'definitely came at me'
Emmanuel Karmo, the top-ranked recruit in Minnesota for the class of 2025, said the key was how the Gophers established a relationship with his family.
Gophers volleyball takes a step under Cook — with assist from McCutcheon
Former Gophers volleyball coach Hugh McCutcheon passed along tidbits to current coach Keegan Cook, whose Gophers are 20-10 entering Thursday's NCAA tournament opener.
Best player in the Big Ten? Garcia's not afraid to back up that talk for Gophers
Dawson Garcia, the Gophers' leading scorer, set goals of being the Big Ten Player of the Year and more — and he's ready to back it up as conference play begins Wednesday vs. Michigan State.
Gophers will start NCAA volleyball tournament with trip to Kentucky
Minnesota had hoped to be among the 16 teams playing at home for the first two rounds but instead will play Western Kentucky on Thursday in Lexington.
Gophers get a familiar boost from Garcia, pound Bethune-Cookman
Minnesota scoring leader Dawson Garcia emerged from a short but deep slump, producing 23 points, and he wasn't alone in improving his shooting.
Hoping for home matches, Gophers await NCAA volleyball tournament reveal
Ranked 15th, they will make the field, but the numbers say they are a bubble team to host the first two rounds at Maturi Pavilion.
Asuma shows his worth in tight men's basketball losses in Orlando
The freshman guard was in the middle of matters against Wichita State and Wake Forest. "He's getting thrown into the fire. … And he's proven that he's capable of helping," coach Ben Johnson said.
Ankle injury slows Gophers guard Rigsby in loss to Wake Forest
Brennan Rigsby, a transfer from Oregon, tweaked his ankle during the first half Friday, and coach Ben Johnson took caution, relying instead on backcourt mates Lu'Cye Patterson and Femi Odukale.
Gophers fall to Demon Deacons after defense again keeps them in the game
Minnesota led at halftime but was unable to overcome the offensive dry spells that have been in play all season.
Gophers lose overtime heartbreaker to Wichita State in Orlando tournament
Dawson Garcia fouled out with four points, and the Shockers hit a game-tying three pointer with one second remaining in regulation.
Gophers roommates Patterson, Odukale combine for 27 points vs. Wichita State
With leading scorer Dawson Garcia held to just four points, the Gophers needed two newcomers to deliver more, and they did.
Journey delivers Shaffmaster to her final Big Ten volleyball match
After committing to the Gophers in the eighth grade, she stayed through a coaching change. Fans will remember her as a strong setter. She hopes they remember her loyalty, too.
Gophers' soft strength of schedule ratchets up Florida trip's importance
Minnesota's only chances to get quality nonconference wins away from Williams Arena come Thursday vs. Wichita State and Friday vs. either Florida or Wake Forest.
Gophers tell Patterson to keep shooting, and he shakes a slump just in time
Four things learned from the Gophers' latest game, including an injury update on Mike Mitchell Jr.
Gophers piece together a tight men's basketball victory over Central Michigan
Lu'Cye Patterson's late three-pointer set up Minnesota to win another close game, and he and Dawson Garcia made certain it did.
Johnson's latest Gophers recruiting class could bring more impact freshmen
Gopher basketball coach Ben Johnson signed three recruits who have similarities with the program's last two impact freshmen, Isaac Asuma and Cam Christie.
Sizing up the Gophers' chances of becoming NCAA volleyball tournament hosts
Gophers coach Keegan Cook and standout Julia Hanson understand the team must be consistent now if it wants to become an NCAA tournament host for the first time since 2022.
Four-star men's basketball target chooses Gophers over USC
Parker Jefferson, a 6-10 senior center from California, revealed his decision Wednesday night. He visited the Trojans last week and the Gophers in late October.
Gophers men's basketball team slips away from Cleveland State
Parker Fox gave the Gophers a big boost off the bench, scoring 18 points and helping turn a two-point halftime lead into double figures.
With Gophers banged up, Rigsby's sheer athletic ability gives them hope
Brennan Rigsby, a transfer from Oregon, has a 40-inch vertical and can shoot from long range. The Gophers are counting on him now with Mike Mitchell Jr., injured.
Gophers regain footing with volleyball victory over Michigan
After three consecutive losses, No. 16 Minnesota benefited from Julia Hanson's biggest output of her career.
Four things learned: Stepped-up guard play shows in Gophers' bounce-back win vs. Yale
A boost in the backcourt, clutch play from Dawson Garcia, a shortened rotation and continuing trouble on long shots stood out.
Gophers men's basketball team rallies past Yale
The Gophers trailed by 10 at halftime and had scored only 19 points, but they pushed back with a 20-9 second-half run.
Gophers men's basketball game preview: Yale up next after ugly loss
The players say they are staying optimistic, but injury issues have affected an already talent-thin lineup.
Hurting Gophers sink to a harsh low in men's basketball loss to North Texas
Center Dawson Garcia played despite a groin injury, and starting guard Mike Mitchell Jr. and four others were absent for the Gophers. Among the results: a 14-point first half.
10 stars ready to sign: these prep standouts will commit this week
Seniors are set to sign with colleges starting Wednesday across Minnesota, and here are 10 notable commitments to know.
Already missing Mitchell, Gophers could be without Garcia on Wednesday, too
Dawson Garcia is a game-time decision with a groin injury, and Mike Mitchell Jr., is out possibly for two weeks recovering from an ankle injury.
Minnehaha Academy standout Mack commits to Maryland women's basketball
Addi Mack was considering several Big Ten offers and announced Tuesday that the Terrapins were the winner.
Analysis: Gophers can credit timely plays by various players for win over Nebraska Omaha
Lu'Cye Patterson, Trey Edmonds and Isaac Asuma contributed down the stretch Saturday, and their ability to sway the game was among four things learned in the victory.
NIL on their minds: How Minnesota recruits weigh endorsement opportunities
With early signing day approaching, student-athletes weigh in on how much NIL factors in their recruiting. There's big money out there, but that doesn't appear to carry huge influence locally.
Gophers escape with a home victory over Nebraska Omaha; guard Mitchell is injured
Four free throws inside the last minute settled it. Dawson Garcia, despite foul trouble, scored 24 points.
Mitchell could be Gophers' answer at point guard; other guards adjusting around him
Gophers coach Ben Johnson is working on backcourt combinations entering Saturday's game against Nebraska Omaha.
Analysis: Garcia's big night and three other things learned from Gophers opener
Dawson Garcia scored the most points to open a Gophers men's basketball season since 2020, and the whole team looked sharp with its passing and defense.
Gophers open men's basketball season with a victory over Oral Roberts and a loud effort from Garcia
A constant on a team beset by change, Dawson Garcia scored 30 points, going six shots into the season before he even missed.
Next up for red-hot Gophers volleyball: A reunion for the coach
Keegan Cook coached Washington for eight seasons, including a 2020 Final Four trip. The Huskies insist there are no hard feelings heading into Thursday's game at Maturi Pavilion.
How NIL distracted the Gophers men's basketball team last year and what lessons were learned
Seven players transferred from a 19-win team, some for more NIL money. But the Gophers who stayed — Parker Fox, Mike Mitchell Jr. and Dawson Garcia — want to finish what they started.
Gophers men to tip off new season Wednesday vs. Oral Roberts
The Gophers men's basketball team opens its fourth season under coach Ben Johnson, and the first test is an Oral Roberts team that fell back last season after going 18-0 in the Summit League in 2022-23.
Gophers to be without potential starter Mitchell for season opener
Projected Gophers starting center Frank Mitchell will miss Wednesday's opener against Oral Roberts because of a shoulder injury and will be reevaluated next week.
Five Gophers men's basketball newcomers who could have an immediate impact
Minnesota opens a new season Wednesday against Oral Roberts, and there will be opportunities for at least a handful of fresh faces to make their mark.
Bueckers is face of women's college hoops and a Minnesotan to watch
Paige Bueckers headlines a list of the top native Minnesotans who have left Minnesota to play Division I women's college basketball.
Jones, Payne among top Minnesotans to watch in NCAA men's basketball
A starting five of Minnesota natives who left the state for college basketball would also include Steven Crowl, J'Vonne Hadley and Gabe Madsen.
Six schools in seven years: Now, Odukale is finally home with Gophers
Gophers newcomer Femi Odukale took a long journey before returning to where it all started, in Minnesota.
St. Thomas leans on Blue's experience entering Year 3 in Division I
Kendall Blue has been a key contributor for St. Thomas since arriving from East Ridge. Now that he's a junior, it's time for him to lead.
St. Thomas looking for best season yet from Hill, Scalia
St. Thomas women's basketball opens the season Monday led by Jade Hill and Amber Scalia, an All-Summit League preseason backcourt.
Gophers land four-star basketball recruit Ross from California
Four-star, 6-6 SoCal Academy senior Jacob Ross announced his college decision Thursday to play for Gophers coach Ben Johnson
Gophers' four-star recruiting target Parker Jefferson excited after his visit
The Gophers made a solid impression on 6-10 senior Parker Jefferson from Inglewood, Calif., after his official visit last week. He plans to still visit USC before deciding in late November.
Gophers men's basketball tops Hamline 79-57 in exhibition game
Brennan Rigsby scored a team-high 16 points, and Minneapolis native Lu'Cye Patterson made his home debut. Big man Frank Mitchell left with an injury.
Gophers men's basketball injury update: Patterson likely to make debut
A shoulder injury kept Lu'Cye Patterson from playing the first exhibition game, but he's expected to face Hamline on Tuesday. Fellow senior guard Femi Odukale's still day-to-day with a hip injury.
For Gophers assistant Thorson, it all started at Hamline — Minnesota's next opponent
Dave Thorson's basketball career will come full circle Tuesday when his alma mater, Hamline, faces the Gophers in an exhibition game at Williams Arena.
Gophers post job opening for GM-like role, a new development in NIL era
Gophers athletic director Mark Coyle alluded to the job back in August, explaining the contract expertise needed with millions of dollars at stake each year.
Ben Johnson's Gophers host pair of four-star basketball prospects on official visits
Gophers four-star Class of 2025 targets Jacob Ross and Parker Jefferson from California high schools are visiting Minnesota on Thursday through the weekend.
Gophers take closer look at turned-over men's basketball roster in exhibition victory over Bemidji State
Returning seniors Mike Mitchell Jr., Dawson Garcia and Parker Fox contributed plenty, as did transfer Brennan Rigsby.
U men's basketball roster analysis: Predicted starters, key reserves
Ben Johnson's Gophers men's basketball team will debut an almost entirely new roster for 2024-25 in Saturday's exhibition opener vs. Bemidji State.
![Minnesota Gophers head coach PJ Fleck celebrated with his players during a team photo following their victory against the Auburn Tigers. ] Aaron Lavin](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/4PQMI6GCU55CONQ3RVMOKQETHI.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
3-star WR Daylen Sharper picks up Gophers football offer
Gophers coach P.J. Fleck offered a scholarship to the junior, a three-star wide receiver from Arizona whose father played for the Vikings, among others, in the NFL.
Gophers women's basketball has studied -- and cheered -- the Lynx
The entire Gophers team has tickets to Game 3 of the WNBA finals on Wednesday at Target Center.
Christie was underrated as a Gophers freshman. Will same be true in the NBA?
Cam Christie, a second-round pick by the Los Angels Clippers, already has a four-year, $7.9 million contract and a few predicting he'll be considered the steal of the past draft.
No. 14 Gophers volleyball stays competitive in Big Ten while getting key players healthy
Setter Melani Shaffmaster is having a big year for the Gophers since recovering from injuries, but outside hitter Mckenna Wucherer has been sidelined for the last few matches.
Gophers football team is recruiting California hard while playing USC, UCLA
Four-star Laguna Beach QB Jackson Kollock has committed to the Gophers, and they've made several offers to other players to California and surrounding states.
Gophers basketball guard Tyler Cochran likely out until December after foot surgery
Tyler Cochran, a transfer from Toledo, could be out until the Gophers begin Big Ten play after undergoing foot surgery.
Hoops? Football? Or both? Hopkins two-sport star now has two Gophers offers, faces decisions
Jayden Moore now has basketball and football offers from the Gophers after visiting with P.J. Fleck.
Can Gophers men's basketball build a true home-court advantage?
Gophers coach Ben Johnson and players spoke at Big Ten media day about building on the atmosphere at Williams Arena last season that helped them get 16 home wins.
