Gophers MBB Hometown Transfer Commit Parker Fox to Miss Season with Torn ACL

Sports fans aren’t allowed to have nice things in the state of Minnesota. That was proven again recently, when transfer forward Parker Fox suffered a knee injury (ACL tear) that’s expected to keep him off of the active Gopher men’s basketball roster for the upcoming 2021-22 season. This is yet another step back for new head coach, Ben Johnson, who’s already having a hell of a time filling a roster that’s lost everyone from last season who’s not named Isaiah Ihnen.

Spent some time this afternoon with #Gophers forward Parker Fox (Mahtomedi HS/MN Heat AAU). He’s 20 days removed from surgery to repair his left ACL & meniscus. Same surgeon who once fixed Russ Westbrook worked on Fox. He has a very positive attitude, rehabbing at Training Haus. pic.twitter.com/krBKDpRvMD

— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) May 17, 2021

I first saw this reported in the Pioneer Press but hadn’t had time to blog about it yet today. You can read more about Parker Fox HERE. I’m a bit confused as to why this is just coming out now, when it obviously happened weeks ago. Hell. the surgery was 20 days ago. He only committed about 33-ish days ago so that is just classically awful Minnesota sports timing.

What’s next?

Hopefully, Fox can get a medical redshirt and be eligible in 22-23. Still, this is a dude whose game is built on highlight-reel athleticism so we’ll see what the future holds.

Anyway, Ben Johnson now goes on the hunt for more wing players, along with the help he needs on the ball and down low. Hopefully June visits can spur the market. It’ll be perfect weather and the Gophers will need all the help they can get. Right now, the roster holds just seven players who are currently eligible, since Peyton Willis will need a waiver to be eligible immediately.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan