Gophers MBB Coach Ben Johnson Sounds A Little Desperate

College basketball season is just around the corner, and the Minnesota Gophers are in desperate need of a strong year. This is especially true for head coach Ben Johnson, who’s heading into his fourth season at the helm. So far, his tenure has been disappointing, but could this be the year things finally turn around? Ben Johnson holds a 41-54 overall record at Minnesota, with a tough 15-44 mark in Big Ten play. Last season’s late surge that led to an NIT appearance likely kept him in the job. This year, however, Johnson has made it clear, he’s focused on winning, and knows time is running out. In the age of NIL dominating college sports, Ben Johnson understands the recruiting landscape has changed drastically. However, his outlook is unique. He realizes he won’t be able to compete financially for the top recruits to come to Dinkytown, so he’s shifted his focus. Instead of chasing high-priced talent, Johnson is leaning on the transfer portal, prioritizing experienced players to build his team. Johnson wanted