Minnesota Basketball: 2024-25 season preview for the Golden Gophers
Key Reserves for the Gophers
Guard: Tyler Cochran, Senior
You could make the case that Tyler Cochran was the most important offseason addition for Minnesota as a proven veteran with playmaking ability, coming in at a need position. However, foot surgery early in the month is going to sideline the former Toledo transfer until at least December.
The best Minnesota can hope for is that Cochran is back for their Big Ten opener against Michigan State, and that he doesn't lose any speed or explosiveness as a result. Cochran has never been known for his quickness or ability to change directions on a dime, but the Gophers do need him at 100 percent if they are to reach their goals this season.
Guard: Isaac Asuma, Freshman
Transfers are clearly the name of the game for Minnesota entering 2024-25, but guard Isaac Asuma is the gem of their high school recruiting class. The Minnesota native is rated as a four-star prospect by most recruiting services, and provides the program an important building block in the backcourt for years to come.
It's hard to imagine Asuma carving out a significant role given the experience in front of him, but he could be a spark plug off the bench who sees minutes thanks to his defense and energy. Learning from the veterans in front of him, including Cochran, Patterson, and Mitchell, should be a great thing for his long-term development.
Guard: Brennan Rigsby, Senior
Yet another transfer hoping to wrap up his collegiate career with a successful campaign, Brennan Rigsby comes over from Oregon, where he was a solid reserve for Dana Altman's club over the last two years.
Expect Rigsby to play a role similar to the one Braeden Carrington played during his time with the Gophers. He'll be counted on to play pestering defense and while the offense won't run through him, Minnesota will look to him for his three-point shooting. Rigsby has impressed during Minnesota's two exhibition games and with Cochran and Patterson both dealing with injuries, he could take advantage of minutes early on this season.
Guard/Forward: Kadyn Betts, Sophomore
I remain unreasonably high on redshirt sophomore Kadyn Betts, despite the fact he's scored just 10 points in his Minnesota career up to this point. I see the upside with Betts - at 6'8" with real bounce and two-way ability, he has the profile of a breakout star. But, it just hasn't happened yet, and the staff has seemed very patient with him.
2024-25 could be the season we see Betts begin to emerge. Although Odukale is likely to start on the wing, Betts could see significant minutes with Minnesota's lack of depth at the position. They were originally hoping Cam Christie would still be around but his success last year could be beneficial for Betts in carving out a role himself.
Forward: Parker Fox, Senior
Just seeing Parker Fox on the court after two devastating knee injuries was a treat for Gopher fans, but the forward ended up playing a much larger role than expected a season ago. He played in 34 games for Minnesota and proved to be a high-energy piece who could contribute on both ends of the court. Now poised to begin his seventh year of college basketball, Fox should play a key reserve role.
Despite his injury history, Fox retains most of the athleticism that made him a human highlight reel at Division II Northern State, and his versatility at 6'8" should earn him plenty of minutes. He's a fan favorite in the Twin Cities, and should be an important piece on the roster moving forward.