NCAA Basketball: Biggest winners of the early 2020 offseason

Minnesota Golden Gophers

Minnesota absolutely crushed the transfer market early with a couple of big-time steals. Liam Robbins, perhaps most notably, is one of the best offseason additions by any program in the country. The 7-footer from Drake is a legitimate pro prospect and is coming off a sophomore season in which he averaged 14.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game. He is a true stud at the center spot and a waiver could allow him to fill the big hole departed by Daniel Oturu.

With Oturu heading to the next level, the Gophers needed a strong big man replacement and they were able to do just that by landing one of the best transfers on the market.

Additionally, head coach Richard Pitino was also able to add Brandon Johnson as a graduate transfer. Johnson experienced a major breakout season in 2019-20 in his third season as a full-time starter for Western Michigan. The 6-foot-8 averaged 15.4 points and 8.1 rebounds per game while taking his entire game to a new level. With these two in tow, Minnesota seriously added to its frontcourt.

The Gophers had also previously landed Rice transfer Drew Peterson (sit-one, play-two) but he has since reopened his recruitment. He is still considering Minnesota but that might not be his eventual destination anymore.

Nonetheless, Minnesota was very successful in the transfer market and is expecting to bring back Marcus Carr as well. Carr put together a strong year with the Gophers during this past season and his return would be another huge bonus for Coach Pitino.