Big Ten Basketball: Biggest storylines for each team entering 2024-25 season

Minnesota Golden Gophers: Dawson Garcia and a plethora of guards

Minnesota may have lost a lot from the portal, but retaining Dawson Garcia was an absolute must entering year four of the Ben Johnson era. Garcia, who led the Gophers in points and rebounds last season, will again be their focal point in the frontcourt.

Complementing Garcia is a plethora of guards. Mike Mitchell Jr is a key returnee. Lu'Cye Patterson (Charlotte), Brennan Rigsby (Oregon), Tyler Cochran (Toledo), Femi Odukale (New Mexico State),  Caleb WIlliams (Malacaster, DIII) and Isaac Asuma (four-star PG) round out the high-volume backcourt in Minneapolis.

On paper, Minnesota’s roster has more experience than last year’s group that made the NIT. But will it be enough to take another step forward? The storyline will surround Garcia and its abundance of guards and if all comes to fruition, the Gophers may raise some eyebrows this season.