The first season under Niko Medved is in the books. Year Zero was better than expected in many ways and the several days are going to be a whirlwind of roster moves and portal additions. Stay tuned for more on that. But before we move on to the next season, let’s take one look back at the 2025-26 season and grade all of the important actors.
Cade Tyson – A
The senior forward had a forgettable junior season in North Carolina, but took a chance Niko Medved at Minnesota and totally redeemed himself. Tyson was one of
the most successful transfers in the Big Ten, going from playing 8 minutes and 2.6 points per game last year for the Tar Heels to never coming off the floor, averaging 19.6 points per game and earning All-Big Ten Honorable Mention. This season would have been dramatically different without the scoring ability and durability of Tyson.
Bobby Durkin – A-
This grade is a little bit inflated due to surpassing all expectations. This year was fantastic for Durkin, who established himself as a dangerous three-point shooter and a guy who is highlighted on every opponent’s scouting report. The mounting injuries played out ideally for Durkin who saw his minutes significantly increase when Chansey Willis Jr and Robert Viahola were lost for the season. But it was just the opportunity for minutes that helped Durkin. When Medved decided that this team was going to play zone for nearly 100% of the time, this helped him on the defensive end of the floor and mitigated his lack of lateral footspeed. A win-win for Durkin.
Jaylen Crocker-Johnson – B+
Medved’s lone Colorado State transfer led the team in rebounding and was second in scoring. Another transfer who was a perfect fit and performed to expectations. I loved JCJ’s toughness, his rebounding and overall “fit.” What I don’t love is his quick trigger from three. A decent shooter, for a big man, but the decision to shoot the three often came too early in the shot clock.
Langston Reynolds – B+
The other senior was equally as valuable but more for his leadership, defense and ability to finish at the rim like no other guard on the roster. Reynolds transferred in from Northern Colorado, began the season on the bench but ended up starting and playing nearly 40 minutes per game. Toughness, leadership and tenacity were strengths of Reynolds; shooting was not. Unfortunately, his shooting was occasionally a liability, otherwise his grade would be much higher.
Isaac Asuma – B-
After a really nice freshman season, Asuma returned to play for Medved and had a really nice sophomore season. He played in all 33 games, averaged 11 points per game, four rebounds and nearly four assists. He played solid defense and was reliable on both ends of the floor. The beginning of the season seemed to be a bigger adjustment for Asuma as he was acclimating to what Medved required and finding his role. But he settled in as the team moved in January and saw his per-game average increase after 12/31. I expect Asuma we will see Asuma continue to grow next year as a leader and with his production.
Kai Shinholster – C
Frankly, Shinholster did fine. He was a true freshman who was thrown into the fire before he was truly ready. His defense was solid, his understanding of the offense was fine, but his shooting is going to have take a significant jump as a sophomore. The 6’5” guard averaged just 1.8 points per game and as the team’s only viable option off the bench, he was the team’s 6th man at 13 minutes per game. But it was his 22.5% from three that really limited his contribution to the offense.
Max Gizzi – C+
Thrust into action a few times during the Big Ten season and Gizzi held his own. The D2 product that did not score until the loss to Baylor in The Crown, giving himself two career points at the D1 level. Gizzi was here for some toughness and defense. He played sparingly but ultimately was needed when injuries wrecked this roster.
Robert Vaihola / Chansey Willis Jr – INCOMPLETE
Both of these guys were starters before injuries ended their seasons entirely.
Vaihola was the team’s starting center for five games and was most impactful as a rebounder. He was crafty around the basket, but lacks the ideal size for a Big Ten center. But his rebounding is elite and it was missed throughout the season.
Willis Jr was the team’s starting point guard who made if seven games before being lost for the season. He came to Minnesota after leading the MAC in scoring while playing for Western Michigan. This prolific scoring did not really materialize in the first month of the season, but he likely would have settled in and found his place in the offense.
BJ Omot / Chance Stephens / Nehemiah Turner – D-
These three transfers never made any impact on the floor and all three are out the door. These are not an F only because injuries played a part in their lack of any meaningful contribution. How much they were injured for the season and how much was just a factor of them not being a good fit for the program…that is unknown.
Coaching – A
This staff did a fantastic job of getting this team to play connected and together offensively. On defense they adjusted to the situation of a limited roster and did the best they could, I would not expect that playing zone is their preferred defense moving forward. They brought in the right kids, they got them playing above their collective talent and exceeded all expectations. For this season, they were excellent.
A solid first season that was unexpectedly successful. The future looks better, but there is still a long ways to go before we see a Gopher in a One Shining Moment montage.
