Ben Johnson, Minnesota Gophers Land First 2025 Commit

With the college basketball season just under two months away, the Gophers are gearing up for a crucial 2024-25 campaign. As head coach Ben Johnson works to turn the program around, he got a boost today with a commitment from a Class of 2025 recruit.

Kai Shinholster commits to Minnesota Golden Gophers

Kai Shinholster, a standout at William Penn Charter High School (PA), will bring his talents to Dinkytown next year. The 6’5″ 3-star guard recently toured the University of Minnesota, and clearly came away impressed by what Minneapolis and the Gophers had to offer.

Beyond Blessed to announce my commitment to the University of Minnesota!!! @GopherMBB I want to thank all the coaches and people in my life that have helped me get to this point. I want to give a special thanks to my family for sticking by my side. Go Gophers!! pic.twitter.com/RKnbx15g2U

— kai (@KaiShinholster) September 4, 2024

“The visit was amazing!…I had a chance to be around the players and be around the coaches.  I was very comfortable with them all.  The facilities were one of a kind I feel like, I just really enjoyed myself out there and had a great time.”

“Being from Philly, being from the east coast, I had no idea about Minneapolis.  No idea where it was.  No idea what the city is like.  I definitely liked the city.  It reminded me of a smaller, less crowded version of Philly, which I like.  I could definitely see myself out there.”

Kai Shinholster – via 247Sports

As a junior in high school, Shinholster averaged 11.2 points per game and earned a place on the Inter AC conference’s second team. Additionally, he played a key role in helping Penn Charter win the Inter AC Championship.

Shinholster is characterized as a combo guard with a strong knack for both facilitating and shooting. He excels at driving to the rim, hitting open shots, and is truly a dynamic offensive player with a natural scoring ability.

6'5 c/o 2025 Kai Shinholster (@KaiShinholster) highlights at the @MidAtlanticISTC @ The Hun School #C2T💛💙

🎥 @fsunmedia pic.twitter.com/lbstxh6zDp

— Penn Charter Boys Basketball (@PCquakersBBall) June 23, 2024

Related: Gophers Announce Soft Non-Conference Schedule

Shinholster also drew interest from James Madison, Florida Gulf Coast, Temple and St. Joe’s but ultimately decided on Minnesota. He is the first commitment of the 2025 class, for Ben Johnson and his staff. Hopefully, it sets the tone because Minnesota has a lot of scholarships to fill.