Dave Thorson and Jason Kemp Hired as Gophers MBB Assistant Coaches

It’s been over two weeks since Ben Johnson was hired as head basketball coach at the University of Minnesota. Yet, when we all woke up this morning, Johnson’s assistant coaching staff had still yet to be named. This is unheard of in college basketball, especially during the craziest recruiting offseason in college basketball history.

Finally, we’re getting some answers. It looks like Ben Johnson and Mark Coyle are ready to pull the trigger on Dave Thorson (Colorado State), Jason Kemp (William & Mary) and POSSIBLY Jaime McNeilly (Texas A&M),.

SOURCE: Word out of Minnesota is Ben Johnson’s staff will consist Jaime McNeilly from Texas A&M, Dave Thorson from Colorado State & Jason Kemp at William & Mary.

— Sean Paul (@Sean02MTM) April 7, 2021

Dave Thorson is no surprise to anyone who’s been following this process. We’ve talked about him at nauseum HERE. He coached Ben Johnson at DeLaSalle high school and is one of the most well-respected coaches/recruiters in Minnesota. He and Ben together should make for a deadly duo in local circles.

Jaime McNeilly and Jason Kemp

William & Mary assistant, Jason Kemp, is the only other assistant coaching hire who has been confirmed by other reporters in the Twin Cities. Kemp is from Wisconsin but got his coaching start at Minnesota State Moorhead back in the mid-2000’s. He coached William & Mary transfer, Luke Loewe, who will play for the Gophers next season. Kemp has spent most of his coaching career at North Dakota State and Ohio University, with a stop in Toledo.

On @CoachJasonKemp, rumored to be on @CoachBenJohnson staff: One college coach told me "He's a star." Another mentioned he's great at building relationships with the players and connects extremely well with prospects and parents. #Gophers

— Justin Gaard (@jgkfan) April 7, 2021

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan