Minnesota Acquires First 2014 Recruit

Mar 24, 2013; Austin, TX, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers forward Trevor Mbakwe (32) lays up against Florida Gators during the first half in the third round of the 2013 NCAA tournament at Frank Erwin Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

After being hired over the past summer, Richard Pitino has his first recruit for the Minnesota Golden Gophers. The player in question is 6″8 forward Josh Martin who made it official by tweeting his decision on September 30.

While Martin ultimately decided on Minnesota, he was also considering both Pitt and Florida State. Getting a player like Martin is a big start for Pitino, who will be looking to make a name for himself and separate his reputation from his famous father Rick.

On the court, Martin will be a top notch rebounder from the start and his size should make him a great paint defender. He has gotten rave reviews from scouts including New York recruiter Tom Konchalski.

"“Talk about a guy who size, has frame and has athleticism,”said Konchalski. “He’s a man physically. He has a Big Ten body and he has athleticism to match and he can certainly rebound. I think he’s a little raw offensively. He likes to step out and shoot the 3′s a little too much. But he has a Big Ten body, he’s a Big Ten power forward”."

While Martin is the first player to commit to the Golden Gophers from the 2014 class, Minnesota is also looking to get some commitments from some big time players. The biggest hope is point guard Tyus Jones, who is from the state and has been considering the school as a potential landing spot.