The Hypothetical Blueprint for Niko Medved’s Transfer Portal Approach

Most likely scenario

As it stands right now, Minnesota would have three available roster spots to use this offseason. None of the players with eligibility remaining have officially announced their plans to return, so we're going to speak in hypotheticals for the sake of this exercise.

Stephens seems like a likely candidate for the transfer portal, after not playing in one game this season following a transfer from Maryland. Willis and Vaihola are very interesting cases after both playing in fewer than 10 games this season, following transfers last offseason. They're expected to apply for medical redshirts, but that's also no guarantee they return.

Crocker-Johnson, Asuma and Durkin are obviously three players Minnesota wants back next season, while Grove and Shinholster both improved throughout the season. There are going to be surprises, and it seems unlikely that Minnesota brings back everyone.

Potential 2026-27 rotation

• G:
• G: Asuma
• F: Durkin
• F: Crocker-Johnson
• C:
• **BENCH**
• 6th: Willis Jr.
• 7th: Grove
• 8th:
• 9th: Anderson
• 10th:
• 11th:
• 12th: Mpoyi
• 13th: Tomes
• 14th: (walk-on)
• 15th: Lorenson

If Crocker-Johnson and Grove return alongside the addition of Mpoyi, Vaihola would be far more expendable in Minnesota's frontcourt. They could go out and add a true starting-caliber center, and they would be set with that rotation.

Willis is a player who was routinely mentioned as a vocal leader for Minnesota, even after his season-ending injury. They could do a lot worse than bringing him back as a third guard.

The transfer portal has been a thing long enough to realize there's always at least one player in an offseason who decides to transfer, and it doesn't make too much sense. For this hypothetical, Shinholster fits that case.

Asuma, Durkin, Crocker-Johnson, Willis, Grove and Lorenson all return in this scenario. With the additions of Anderson, Mpoyi and Tomes, Minnesota would have six roster spots available.

Transfer portal strategy

We're in the tampering stage of the offseason, where many coaches across the country are trying to convince players to enter the transfer portal. Anyone who disagrees is oblivious to what is going on. North Carolina guard Kyan Evans is the top player I am watching, due to his connection with Medved for two seasons at Colorado State, and UNC's recent decision to fire head coach Hubert Davis.

Ultimately, Minnesota needs a ball-dominant guard to play alongside Asuma, who's a threat to score 20 points any given night. They need a true center to play alongside Crocker-Johnson. Lastly, they need anywhere from 1-3 legit options to bring off the bench. I could give you a list of other players who could fit that mold, but those names will come out eventually. It should be an interesting month of roster movement ahead.