University of Minnesota head men’s basketball coach Niko Medved announced that Malachi Palmer (Harrisburg, Pa.) will join the Golden Gophers in June. Palmer heads to Minnesota after spending time at both Villanova and Maryland.
“Malachi is a tough, physical guard who plays with a high motor,” Medved said. “His size allows him to defend multiple positions, and offensively, he’s a strong shooter capable of hitting big shots. Having played in the NCAA Tournament last year, he already brings valuable experience at a high level. We’re excited to add him to our roster.”
The 6-foot-6 guard appeared in 33 games for Villanova, making four starts late in the season. He averaged 18.3 minutes per game while shooting 46.6 percent from the field and 35.9 percent from three-point range on 78 attempts. In his NCAA Tournament start against Utah State, Palmer scored 11 points, knocking down three of his five attempts from beyond the arc. He transferred to Villanova alongside head coach Kevin Willard after his freshman season at Maryland, where he played in 22 games, averaging 8.3 minutes. During that year, Palmer totaled 36 points, 30 rebounds, and finished with a 33.3 percent field goal percentage.
A former four-star prospect, Palmer spent two seasons at Mt. Zion Prep, surpassing 1,000 career points as a senior. He also competed on the EYBL circuit with Team Melo and NY Renaissance.
2026–27 Minnesota Golden Gophers Men’s Basketball Roster (as of May 4, 2026)
Nolen Anderson, Fr., F, Plymouth, Minn.
Isaac Asuma, Jr., G, Cherry, Minn.
Jaylen Crocker-Johnson, Sr., F, San Antonio, Texas
Bobby Durkin, Sr., F, Darien, Ill.
Kyan Evans, Sr., G, Kansas City, Mo.
Winters Grady, R-Fr., G, Tualatin, Ore.
Grayson Grove, R-So., F, Alexandria, Minn.
Nolan Groves, So., G, Long Lake, Minn.
Malick Kordel, So., C, Oberhausen, Germany
Max Lorenson, R-Fr., G, Eden Prairie, Minn.
Chadrack Mpoyi, Fr., C, Likasi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Malachi Palmer, Jr., G, Harrisburg, Pa.
Kai Shinholster, So., G, Woolwich, N.J.
Cedric Tomes, Fr., G, Woodbury, Minn.
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