Recent content from Marcus Fuller
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.
Johnson, Gophers veterans talk up the team's newcomers at Big Ten media day
Gophers leading scorer Dawson Garcia was named to the All-Big Ten preseason team, and help is on the way with returning seniors and impressive newcomers.
Big Ten's newcomers are no mystery for Gophers volleyball coach Cook
The Gophers volleyball team plays at UCLA on Friday and at USC on Saturday in Big Ten Conference action. It's a novel trip for the program, but not Keegan Cook.
Gophers' backcourt of Braun, Battle still 'big-time' despite no hype
Gophers junior guards Mara Braun and Amaya Battle weren't picked to the Big Ten's all-preseason team, but they were among the league's best backcourts when healthy last season.
In post-Clark era, USC's Watkins is the next big thing in Big Ten women's hoops
Gophers women's players and coach Dawn Plitzuweit described the star power of USC's JuJu Watkins at Big Ten media day in Chicago.
Gophers men's hoops picked last in Big Ten preseason media poll — again
The unofficial preseason poll was released Wednesday, with Ben Johnson's Gophers in a familiar spot.
Gophers coach Plitzuweit impressed by newcomers as practice opens
Gophers women's basketball newcomers Taylor Woodson, Annika Stewart and Alexsia Rose are making an early impression in fall practice.
Cretin-Derham Hall big man Tommy Ahneman picks Notre Dame over Gophers
The Gophers men's basketball team had hoped to land Cretin-Derham Hall big man Tommy Ahneman, but he committed to Notre Dame on Monday.
Canada's top-ranked men's basketball recruit to visit Gophers
Tristan Beckford, a highlight-dunking machine and Canada's No. 1 senior prospect, is set to make his official visit with the Gophers after receiving a scholarship offer from Ben Johnson.
Minnesota top basketball recruit commits to Clemson over Iowa
Thompson, the younger brother of former Gophers player Treyton Thompson, ranks as a four-star prospect and the 94th player nationally in the 2025 class by Rivals.com.
Gophers can't repeat five-set magic in home loss to Purdue
The Boilermakers used a big advantage in service aces to end the Gophers' seven-match winning streak.
Gophers volleyball soars with Grote playing like a superstar
Lydia Grote was everywhere for the Gophers volleyball team Wednesday in the five-set thriller against Wisconsin. Next comes No. 10 Purdue.
How Gophers basketball adjusted after last spring's transfer portal exodus
The Gophers men's basketball team is loaded with older players after coach Ben Johnson changed course and put a premium on finding college experience.
Gophers volleyball wins dramatic five-setter over Wisconsin in Big Ten opener
The Gophers drew from the crowd's energy to send the game into a fifth set before pulling off the upset 19-25, 25-15, 25-27, 25-15, 18-16.
Recruiting: Here are the top 10 uncommitted Minnesota football players being pursued by colleges, including the Gophers
Keeping an eye on these players is vital for the Gophers, with coaches from the Big Ten, SEC, ACC and Big 12 also showing up at schools across the state to search for the next hidden gem from Minnesota.
Gophers volleyball ready for big test against Wisconsin's towering middle blockers
The No. 7 Badgers visit Maturi Pavilion, where the No. 16 Gophers await, winners of six in a row. This Big Ten opener could be decided in the middle.
Good news on Garcia highlights start of Gophers men's basketball practice
With nine scholarship newcomers, the Gophers will have to figure out how the pieces fit together before their Nov. 6 opener against Oral Roberts.
Iowa's Kaleb Johnson 'took it personal,' avenging last year's loss to Gophers
Iowa tailback Kaleb Johnson bounced back from injury against Gophers last year with 200-yard performance in Saturday's revenge win.
Video: Adrian Peterson's 14-year-old daughter is already dunking basketballs
A video of Minnetonka High's highly touted freshman Ari Peterson surfaced Thursday when she threw down a one-handed dunk during a workout at TVP Academy in Burnsville.
Gophers men's basketball schedule released with some new twists
Coach Ben Johnson and the Gophers open conference play against traditional Big Ten powers Michigan State and Indiana in early December.
Cretin-Derham Hall's Ty Schlagel receives Gophers' first men's basketball offer for 2027
Cretin-Derham Hall's 6-7 sophomore received scholarship offers from the Gophers, Wisconsin and Iowa last week.
Iowa Hawkeyes senior is the latest NFL prospect from Marshall, Minn.
Following in the footsteps of Marshall natives Trey Lance and Blaise Andries, Yahya Black is a standout defensive tackle for the Hawkeyes.
Highly touted Gophers freshman Perich gets chance and quickly flashes his potential
Koi Perich, who stuck with the Gophers after being heavily recruited by Ohio State last year, has overcome a hamstring injury and is learning fast.
Gophers volleyball schedule explained: Why so many non-conference road games?
Friday's match against Auburn will be the Gophers volleyball team's toughest home contest before Big Ten play begins.
Gophers volleyball sweeps St. Thomas in home opener
After a win over Texas and three five-set losses, the No. 19 Gophers needed a pick-me-up performance, which came in the form of Tuesday's home opener with a 25-20, 25-16, 25-21 victory against St. Thomas.
Gophers' four-star recruiting target Allen picks Alabama instead
Gophers men's basketball coach Ben Johnson was looking to add to his Class of 2025 after Amari Allen visited with recently-committed Kai Shinholster last month.
St. Thomas men's basketball schedule includes tests vs. Oklahoma State, Arizona State
The Tommies women's basketball team has Iowa State and Wichita State on its schedule, which was released Monday.
U volleyball junior Julia Hanson emerges as a force entering team's home opener
Prior Lake grad Julia Hanson came to the U as a highly touted recruit and is showing why. Her Gophers take on St. Thomas on Tuesday at Maturi Pavilion.
Brosmer's full receiving options, four other things learned for Gophers
The Gophers football team had plenty go right in Saturday's 48-0 victory against Rhode Island, including the first big collegiate plays from highly touted freshman Koi Perich.
Gophers running back Darius Taylor makes his season debut vs. Rhode Island
Darius Taylor, who led the Gophers in rushing last season, missed the Aug. 29 opener and was questionable this week leading up to Saturday's game.
Gophers right the ship with 48-0 blowout over FCS Rhode Island
The Gophers, sparked offensively by quarterback Max Brosmer and the return of tailback Darius Taylor from a leg injury, held Rhode Island to only 135 total yards.
Gophers football still bullish, ready to start anew vs. FCS-level Rhode Island
The Rams get $500,000 for playing the Gophers — and Nevada collects $1.2 million to do the same next week — but these are hardly games P.J. Fleck's team can take lightly.
