Minnesota officially made a handful of additions to its 2026-27 roster this week.
The Minnesota Golden Gophers men’s basketball stayed busy in the transfer portal this month, landing commitments from four players. All four signees were officially added earlier this week, with head coach Niko Medved sharing his thoughts on each addition. The program also brought in a new assistant coach for the 2026–27 staff. Here’s a full breakdown.
Kyan Evans, G (North Carolina)
The most notable addition for the Minnesota Golden Gophers men’s basketball in the transfer portal is Kyan Evans. He’s coming off a quieter season at North Carolina Tar Heels men’s basketball, where he averaged 4.0 points and 2.5 assists per game, but there’s reason for optimism given how Cade Tyson rebounded in a similar situation.
Evans previously thrived under head coach Niko Medved at Colorado State, posting 10.6 points and 3.1 assists per game during the 2024–25 season while shooting an efficient 47.1% from the field, 44.6% from three, and 85.2% from the free-throw line.
“Kyan is a highly competitive player with a strong basketball IQ and excellent playmaking ability,” Niko Medved said in a release. “He has a proven track record of making big shots, and I’ve seen firsthand what he brings to the floor. He understands the standards and expectations right away. I’m excited to bring that energy to Minnesota.”
Winters Grady, G/F (Michigan)
Early rankings from major recruiting services consider Winters Grady the top transfer addition for the Minnesota Golden Gophers men’s basketball this offseason.
He battled an injury during his true freshman year at Michigan Wolverines men’s basketball, but still spent time practicing with the national championship team. Just one year removed from being a four-star high school recruit, there’s growing belief he could emerge as a breakout contributor in Minnesota’s system.
“Winters Grady is an elite shooter with a natural ability to put the ball in the basket. He’s a tough, confident competitor who can stretch defenses with his deep range,” Niko Medved said in a release. “He brings strong size and can contribute on both ends of the floor. As a former top-100 recruit and a proven three-level scorer from a winning program, we’re excited to have him as a Gopher.”
Nolan Groves, G (Texas Tech)
The Minnesota Golden Gophers men’s basketball showed interest in Nolan Groves last offseason after he earned Minnesota Gatorade Player of the Year honors following his senior year at Orono High School, but Texas Tech Red Raiders men’s basketball ultimately secured his commitment with an offer he couldn’t turn down.
In Lubbock, he quickly displayed his versatility, including a 17-rebound debut and strong defensive performances, highlighted by a nonconference matchup against Duke. Now, he returns to Minnesota looking to take on a larger role with the Gophers in his home state.
“I’m really excited to have Nolan return home to represent his state and the University of Minnesota,” Medved said in a release. “Nolan brings strong versatility on both ends of the court. He’s a skilled, high-IQ player who is capable of defending multiple positions from one through four. With experience in winning programs at both the high school and college levels, he’s an excellent fit for what we’re building at Minnesota.”
Malick Kordel, C (Michigan)
Kordel spent one season as a teammate of Grady at Michigan, though he is three years older. He transferred to the Wolverines last offseason after starting his professional career in his native Germany. While still a raw prospect, the 7-foot-2 center addresses a major need in Minnesota’s frontcourt heading into the 2026–27 season.
“Malick Kordel is an intimidating, athletic big who moves extremely well for his size,” Niko Medved said in a release. “He’s a strong lob threat, a reliable rim protector, and adds valuable depth to our frontcourt. Having spent a year in a high-level program, Malick understands what it takes to be part of a winning culture, and we’re excited to add him to our roster.”
Assistant coach: Lexus Williams (Boise State Broncos men’s basketball)
Chad Warner departed the Minnesota Golden Gophers men’s basketball coaching staff earlier this offseason to join the Clemson Tigers men’s basketball, opening the door for Medved to bring in a new assistant. About a month later, Minnesota officially added Williams to its 2026–27 coaching staff.
Williams comes from the Leon Rice coaching tree. He finished his playing career with the Broncos in the 2017–18 season and later joined the staff in 2021 as an assistant to the head coach. He was elevated to a full assistant coaching role in 2024–25 and remained in that position for two seasons. Minnesota will now be his first Power Conference coaching opportunity.
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