Busting Brackets
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Big Ten Basketball: Analyzing each program’s 2019 recruiting class

By Lukas Harkins

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 12: A general interior view of the empty court during the semifinals of the 2011 Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament at Conseco Fieldhouse on March 12, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 12: A general interior view of the empty court during the semifinals of the 2011 Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament at Conseco Fieldhouse on March 12, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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DES MOINES, IOWA – MARCH 23: Coach Pitino of Minnesota. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
DES MOINES, IOWA – MARCH 23: Coach Pitino of Minnesota. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

player. 487. . . . Minnesota Golden Gophers.

Minnesota has not been the most consistently successful program in the country over the last several years. Under the leadership of head coach Richard Pitino, the program has only reached the NCAA Tournament twice in six years and there are not high expectations for the 2019-20 season. With that said, though, the future looks relatively bright. Coach Pitino was able to secure the No. 37 overall recruiting class in 2019 and this was the fourth-best in the conference.

The two headlining players in this class are clearly Isaiah Ihnen (No. 98) and Tre Williams (No. 133). Ihnen comes in as a 6-foot-9 power forward with plenty of versatility. He is mostly known as a potential defensive stud due to his size and athleticism. Additionally, he runs the floor very well, finishes around the rim, and is developing as a floor-spacer.

Williams, on the other hand, is a 6-foot-4 guard poised to compete for a starting spot this season. He is an outstanding perimeter threat that should open up the entire offense for the team. 3-point shooting was a weakness for the Golden Gophers last season and this incoming prospect will help to remedy that issue. He will team up with Marcus Carr and Gabe Kalscheur in the backcourt.

Furthermore, Minnesota is also bringing in big man Sam Freeman (No. 403) and point guard Bryan Greenlee (No. 469). Neither player is very highly-rated and they will struggle to find playing time this season. Freeman is a big body at 6-foot-10 and could be one of the back-ups to the center spot while Greenlee should be able to effectively run the offense if Minnesota needs him to step up. The Gophers lack point guard depth and that could lead to playing time for the young freshman.

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