Star Basketball Recruit Narrows Field to 6 Teams, Including Minnesota Gophers

The Minnesota Gophers basketball team has made some serious progress since Ben Johnson took over as head coach in 2020. While his first two seasons were a bit rocky, going 13-17 and 9-22, the Gophers took a big leap last year, with a 19-15 record.

That growth justified the Gophers’s decision to hire Johnson. But now the program is earning more respect after their first winning record since 2019. Their momentum may even help the Gophers land a big-time recruit.

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4-Star SG Amari Allen includes Minnesota Gophers in his top-6 schools

Minnesota Gophers fans may want to keep an eye on the status of four-star shooting guard Amari Allen, a Top-100 national talent according to 247Sports composite rankings. He’s playing at the highly acclaimed IMG Academy, where elite athletes go to ball out. But eventually, he could be playing for Ben Johnson’s Gophers.

Allen is a 6-foot-7 recruit who’s now narrowed down his commitment choices to just six schools, and you best believe the Gophers are one of them. Not only does the class of 2025 recruit have interest in playing for the Gophers, his very first visit is lined up in Minnesota from August 28-30.

Down to 6. What we thinking?? pic.twitter.com/DknDdwGZr5

— Amari allen (@2amariii) July 29, 2024

Allen is touted for his scoring ability, where he thrives in the mid-range while being an explosive athlete who shows up on both ends of the floor. Those are traits any program would love to have.

Class of 2025 6’5 (Kevon Looney Power 5 3SSB) Amari Allen makes shots with or without any bounces, explosive, threat in the mid range area, pours confidence into his teammates, turns steals into valuable opportunities for his team, strong finisher, great awareness & competitive. pic.twitter.com/ux0OCJVLHn

— Stellar Hoops 🏢 (@StellarHoops) July 12, 2024

Here’s a small highlight reel showcasing some of Allen’s skills.

Highlights of four-star 2025 small forward Amari Allen from Bill Hensley Memorial Run N' Slam.

Offers: Arizona State, Auburn, Georgetown, Georgia Tech, Marquette, Minnesota, Mississippi State, Tennessee@2amariii @wisconsin_pgc pic.twitter.com/Vmv2W5LisP

— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) May 10, 2023

While the Gophers still have more work to do before Allen commits, he’d be a great get for Ben Johnson. We’ll see how his official visit to Dinkytown goes in August.

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