Gophers men’s basketball coach Niko Medved and his staff have been diligently searching for a future anchor in the paint—and their efforts paid off Wednesday with a major commitment from Central Arkansas transfer Nehemiah Turner.
The 6-foot-10, 265-pound rising sophomore brings size and potential to the Gophers’ frontcourt and is expected to be a strong contender for the starting center spot. Medved continues to build one of the top transfer classes in the Big Ten.
Turner, who visited Minnesota earlier this week, posted solid numbers as a freshman last season, averaging 8.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.1 blocks in just 18.1 minutes per game.
A native of Auburndale, Fla., Turner made headlines nationally after an explosive performance in the Atlantic Sun Conference tournament quarterfinals, where he poured in 37 points on 13-of-15 shooting, along with 11 rebounds, four assists, three steals, and two blocks in a 77–72 win over Stetson on March 2.
He closed the season on a high note, averaging 18.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.8 blocks over his final 10 games—including standout efforts with 24 points against Lipscomb and 23 points on 11-for-14 free-throw shooting versus Austin Peay.
Turner will likely split time at center with 6-foot-8, 260-pound San Jose State transfer Robert Vaihola. Meanwhile, Colorado State transfer Jaylen Crocker-Johnson is projected to be the Gophers’ top option at forward.
Minnesota has now added six transfers this spring, with Turner joining a class that includes Langston Reynolds (Northern Colorado), Bobby Durkin (Davidson), B.J. Omot (Cal), and Chansey Willis Jr. (Western Michigan).
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