Minnesota Basketball: Breaking down Gophers 2024-25 non-conference schedule
Events/In-Season Tournament Games
Needless to say, with so few opportunities to build a postseason resume, Minnesota needs to make the most of their trip to Orlando for the ESPN Events Invitational. The four-team field includes Florida, Wake Forest, and Wichita State, which should make for a competitive event.
November 28 vs. Wichita State
It's been three decades since the Wichita State Shockers last met up with the Gophers, all the way back in 1995. The Shockers have struggled to find their footing in the American Athletic Conference but now in their second season with Paul Mills in charge, this could be an interesting team to watch, and a tough opponent for the Gophers. Being without Colby Rogers will make the first month a tough one, but WSU boasts a veteran backcourt that should have an edge in chemistry over the Gophers. Expect this to be a good one, kicking off the event in exciting fashion.
November 29 vs. TBD
Whether or not the Gophers are to come out victorious will of course determine their next opponent in Orlando. Whether it's Florida or Wake Forest, both pose quite the stiff challenge. The Gators will feature a high-flying backcourt that includes Walter Clayton and FAU transfer Alijah Martin, while Wake Forest features one of the nation's top players in Hunter Sallis. Just to win the first game would be a success for Johnson and crew, but if they do indeed move on, this would certainly be their most important non-conference game of the season.
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After playing in the NIT last season, the Gophers are hoping to build on that momentum, despite seeing a slew of transfers hit the portal over the offseason. On paper, this looks to be the next team Johnson has assembled since taking over at his alma mater - but does that mean they can live up to that billing and breeze through a soft non-conference? By the end of December, we should have a good idea whether this team is ready to gear up for a postseason run, or whether it will be another long year of hoops in the Twin Cities.