Minnesota Basketball: Projected depth chart and rotation for 2023-24 season

Center

Starter – Pharrel Payne 8.2 PPG / 5.2 RPG / 22 MPG

Pharrel Payne was one of the few reasons to tune into Minnesota basketball last season. His thunderous slams were one of the few reasons Williams Arena was ever rocking in 2022-23 and he showed potential to be a key piece for the program moving forward.

Now a sophomore, it’s highly likely that Payne will step into a full-time starting role. He played about as well as could have been expected of a true freshman big playing in one of the most competitive conferences in the country, but Year Two could set the stage for a major jump forward. Payne is still looking to round out his game and will look to cut down on his fouls on the other end, but the physical tools are certainly there and the entire program is super high on him. He could be one of the league’s breakout stars this season.

Limited minutes – Jack Wilson: 0.3 PPG / 0.4 RPG / 2.9 MPG

Minnesota added much-need size with the arrival of Washington State transfer Jack Wilson. Wilson appeared in 25 games for the Cougar football team before joining the basketball program in December and playing 40 minutes total. Wilson is at least a big body, but the Gophers are hoping they won’t have to lean on his services too often this winter.

Minnesota brought in several key transfers at need positions over the offseason and are hopeful that the young pieces on the roster can grow up quickly this year. It will almost certainly still be a rebuilding year but after winning just two league games last season, just about anything should be viewed as progress.