Dennis Evans III, the five-star, 7-foot senior from California, informed the Gophers earlier this week he wanted to be released from his signed letter of intent, sources told the Star Tribune.

The official request was submitted Friday, and the Gophers are likely to grant it, according to sources. Gophers coach Ben Johnson declined to comment on Evans’ request Friday.

Marcus Fuller – Star Tribune

Dennis Evans (Hillcrest High School – CA) is the 18th ranked high school prospect in the entire nation, according to 247Sports.com. For context, Daniel Oturu was ranked 48th nationally, in the 2018 class. Only past commits, Kris Humphries (2003 class) and Royce White (2009 class), had a higher recruiting rating when they committed to the University of Minnesota.

Bad basketball has consequences

The Gophers are 1-15 in conference play this season, and it’s HIGHLY unlikely they match the three Big Ten wins they accumulated in Ben Johnson’s first season as head coach. Johnson can try all he wants to convince recruits that the future is bright, but words can only go so far.

Evans claims, per Fuller, that the Gophers’ current 11-game loss streak has nothing to do with his decision to back out of his NLI, but people close to him admit that watching the team play this year has made Dennis feel like the Gophers ‘might not be the right fit’.

Minnesota’s current 11-game losing streak didn’t appear to be the determining factor for Evans, who picked the Gophers last fall over Texas Christian. People close to Evans told the Star Tribune that he and his family had been thinking for a while that the Gophers might not be the right fit after watching this season.

Marcus Fuller – Star Tribune

This is a devastating blow for Minnesota Gophers basketball. If Johnson were to have a tough offseason in the transfer portal, it could doom the program he’s trying to build.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

It’s the second-straight difficult season Johnson has gone through, to start his career as Gophers head coach. His in-conference record now a sad 5-23 and likely to get worse before it gets better (more on that in a moment).

Gophers’ Bad Injury Luck

Johnson’s slow start, however, has as much to do with injuries and timing than it does coaching deficiencies. Two of his best and most experienced players, Parker Fox and Isaiah Ihnen, both blew out knees before the start of the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons. Same players, same injuries — nearly one year apart from each other.

In 20-21, Parker Fox averaged. 22.1 pts, 9.6 rbs, 2.5 ast and 3.2 blks a game and was named a D2 All-American

He chose the #Gophers over Florida St, Ohio St, Creighton and soo many others. Just horrible injury luck for such a talented player. Massive blow for UMN and their fans. pic.twitter.com/AjVY3Qvb0V

— Tony Liebert (@TonyLiebert) June 22, 2022

And the hometown head coach couldn’t have picked a more difficult time to take over a job at the University of Minnesota, a school that doesn’t have near the NIL resources other power five schools possess. Not only that, but new transfer rules allowed every single player from the Richard Pitino era to transfer before Ben Johnson coached his first game.

Pitino’s Transfer Portal Exodus

Those transfers include some of the best guards in the country, a position the Gophers are incredibly thin at. Marcus Carr is averaging 17.4 points and 4.2 assists for #10 Texas. Gabe Kalscheur is now at #12 Iowa State and he’s one of the best “3 and D” players in the nation, averaging 12.8 points per game and locking up the best offensive player for every opponent.

And don’t forget about Jamal Mashburn Jr, who went with Pitino to #25 New Mexico, where he is averaging 19.3 points per game as he quickly ascends to one of the best guards in the MAC conference.

Notable #Gophers from 20-21 roster

– Jamal Mashburn Jr. (N. Mexico) 19.3p, 3.4r, 1.7a
– Marcus Carr (Texas) 17.6p, 2.9r, 4.3a
– Gabe Kalcheur (I. State) 13.1p, 2.2r, 1.6a
– Liam Robbins (Vandy) 13.2p, 5.9r, 2.9b

This team went 14-15 in Richard Pitino's final season at Minnesota pic.twitter.com/iaAKRsHL6c

— Tony Liebert (@TonyLiebert) January 25, 2023

I’m not giving Ben Johnson a free pass on his poor start but, for these reasons and more, he deserves patience from Gopher basketball fans. Johnson was brought in because of his hometown ties and proven track record in high school recruiting, both areas in which we’re seeing early payoff, allowing hope for the future.

Ben Johnson’s future is still bright

The Gophers currently have nine Minnesota kids on roster. They’ve come via the transfer portal and local high school circuit. Dawson Garcia, who went to Prior Lake high school and transferred from North Carolina during the offseason, is leading the team in both points (14.9) and rebounds (6.3) per game. He still has three seasons of eligibility, should he choose to play college basketball that long. Garcia is a VITAL piece to Minnesota’s short-term success.

The other offensive force already on roster, Jamison Battle, graduated high school from De La Salle and transferred in after two collegiate seasons at George Washington University. He is averaging 12.2 points and 3.8 rebounds per game, after leading the Gophers in scoring last year. Battle has one year of eligibility remaining.

Only 2 Power Conference players averaged 17+ PPG, under 1.5 TO:

Keegan Murray and Jamison Battle.

Battle is one of the most efficient high-volume scorers in the country and scores in just about every way imaginable. Great player for Ben Johnson and the Gophers to build around. pic.twitter.com/zc0nXf5SXT

— Danny Johnson (@dannyjohnson_23) October 18, 2022

Both Battle and Garcia will be huge factors in Ben Johnson’s eventual turnaround at the University of Minnesota. But they aren’t the only current Gophers who have already shown promise for the future. The others are just younger or injured.

As mentioned earlier, Parker Fox and Isaiah Ihnen should both contribute immediately, when they eventually become healthy. They’ll be two years removed from their last game action, however, so questions surround both of their futures.

Minnesota Youth Movement

But it’s the coming youth movement that should have Gopher basketball fans excited. Currently, Minnesota men’s basketball has FOUR freshman who are playing over 16 minutes per game.

At 6’9″, 255 pounds, Ben Johnson says Pharrel Payne (Cottage Grove, MN) is the most physically developed freshman he has ever coached. He’s already averaging 22.1 minutes per game (7.2 PPG, 4.7 RPG), the most of any of the four freshmen. Payne looks like he’ll be a force down low in the Big Ten for years to come.

Welcome to the House of Payne. ????@pharrelpayne x @GopherMBB pic.twitter.com/VVuAt4zg7V

— Minnesota on BTN (@MinnesotaOnBTN) December 22, 2022

Braeden Carrington (22.0 MPG) and Joshua Ola-Joseph (19.6 MPG) are the other two minute-eating freshman from the state of Minnesota, Jaden Henley (16.4 MPG) is the only 1st-year out of state player getting healthy minutes. He hails from California, an out of state pipeline that proved very important in the most recent recruiting class.

More Talent Incoming

While the youngsters already on roster are worth being excited about, it’s next year’s freshman class that sheds the most hope on the future of Minnesota Gophers basketball. That’s the recruiting class 7’1″ high school phenom, Dennis Evans is a part of.

Evans (Hillcrest, CA) just missed out on the McDonald’s All-America roster but he’s still the 3rd highest-rated high school men’s basketball recruit in school history (247Sports). The other two — Kris Humphries (2003) and Royce White (2009) — both played in the NBA.

In his senior season at Hillcrest, Dennis is averaging 14.5 points, 10 rebounds and 6 blocks per game. He can hit from deep, play down low and he’s a blocking machine. But Evans isn’t the only 4-star recruit committed to the Gophers’ 2023 class. Cameron Christie (IL) will have a chance to make an immediate impact next season too.

Dennis Evans is a problem! pic.twitter.com/Vcqdh2bwLP

— Courtside Films (@CourtsideFilms) September 9, 2022

2023 Cam Christie highlights from the NY2LA Swish N' Dish! @24CameronC @WolvesILL @ny2lasports pic.twitter.com/7gnNFLU1nV

— Courtside Films (@CourtsideFilms) April 6, 2022

I expect a lot more losing than winning, as the Minnesota Gophers continue to navigate the 2022-23 season. But injury-willing, they should be a different team next season. By 2024-25, they could be a team ready to compete among the top teams in the Big Ten.

Especially if Ben Johnson can find more talent from the transfer and prep portals. Closing the walls around Minnesota high school recruiting will prove vital to success during Johnson’s tenure. That’s why he was hired.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

A Riverside kid, Evans stands at a lanky 7’1+” and his wingspan stretches a reported 7’7″. His composite 4-star (.9881) rating (247Sports) is ranked 31st in the nation for the 2023 class. How good is he?

If Dennis were to sign a National Letter of Intent to play at the University of Minnesota, his aforementioned .9881 composite grade would slot in as the school’s 3rd highest rated signing of any men’s basketball commitment in the internet era. Only Kris Humphries (2003) and Royce White (2009) have graded out higher.

Who are Gophers competing with?

What are the chances Ben Johnson can flag Dennis in from the West Coast? Well, Minnesota is one of three favorites to land Evans. The others are Kansas (2021 National Champs) and TCU. While the match may seem odd on its face, there are forces working in the Gophers’ favor.

One of those friendly forces is Jaden Henley, a 2022 signee from Ontario, CA. Evans and Henley are best friends and their relationship is playing heavily into the big man’s college decision. Gopher fans could get to know Henley pretty well, as soon as this season. Henley is one of a few Minnesota freshman currently battling for playing time at wing.

Do Gophers Have Realistic Shot?

Dennis Evans has told 247Sports that he likes the way Minnesota plays, and that he doesn’t want distractions outside of football or school. NIL prospects aren’t at the top of his priority list, either. Judging by what Evans’ AAU coach told Marcus Fuller (Star Tribune), the Gophers are definitely a favorite.

“He’s definitely going to visit Minnesota. He might end up going to Minnesota to be completely honest. Ben and [assistant Marcus Jenkins] have done a tremendous job recruiting Dennis.” – AAU Coach Elvert Perry (via Star Tribune)

“Dennis would change the game for them because he’s a tremendous shot blocker,” Perry added. “Dennis is a lot better offensive player than people imagine. He can shoot the three. If he comes there, they’ll be in the tournament. I can tell you that.” – AAU Coach Elvert Perry (via Star Tribune)

Dennis Evans’ film confirms what his AAU coach said above. For a youngster, who clearly hasn’t grown into his body yet, the Hillcrest High School star moves really well. He has great coordination and a damn smooth shooting stroke, for a kid his size. Evans appears comfortable with the ball in his hands, both on the block and outside the 3-point arc.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

Treyton Thompson is a, “do-it-all”, 6’11” big who plays for national prep powerhouse La Lamiere during the school year and Adidas-sponsored AAU program, D1 Minnesota, in the summer. The Alexandria, Minn. native and current Minnesota Gopher men’s basketball commit can dominate your best player down in the paint, or spread the floor and show off his silky-smooth jump shot.

Thompson seemed to have it all going for him… until Wednesday, when 247Sports.com released their updated recruiting ratings for the 2021 class. Dropping on that list like a rock, is the aforementioned Treyton Thompson. Pre-update, Thompson — who held offers from Iowa, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma before picking the home-state Gophers — ranked 80th nationally. After the update, he dropped 45 spots, down to 125th.

Additionally, he was downgraded from a 4-star prospect to a 3-star prospect, although his rating of 89 overall was only one point away from a 90 — the lowest rating a 4-star can get. So you may wonder: why the large drop? Well, I’ve got a few different theories.

Theory 1: Lack of offensive production

Although Treyton has all the traits of a player who can dominate on the offensive end, he fails to show the production to back it up. Just look at some of the stats he posted this summer with D1 Minnesota.

Now, those numbers may be less due to being on a team with other high-major prospects like David Joplin, Eli King, Tamin Lipsey, among others. Still, it looks like the 247Sports rankers didn’t seem to think that output was enough. 

On the bright side, one of Thompson’s strengths happens to be his IQ of the game. Based off Gopher Illustrated’s Ryan James Twitter highlights, Thompson regularly shows the ability to pass out of the post and find open teammates, as shown below. He also shows the ability to do the little things, like setting good screens and rebounding the ball at a consistent clip. 

Gopher commit Treyton Thompson is a very good passer out of the post. This assist is to Tamin Lipsey for a three. Lipsey is a 4-star 2022 guard from Iowa (MN, ISU, NB offers). @adidasd1mn up 69-45 pic.twitter.com/6UWxjKju0Y

— Ryan James (@RyanJamesMN) July 19, 2020

Minnesota Gopher committed 2021 Treyton Thompson opens the game winning the Tip, and scoring with the short touch pic.twitter.com/XPk2LiQ7oC

— Ryan James (@RyanJamesMN) July 18, 2020

Minnesota Commit Treyton Thompson on the board pic.twitter.com/8FsqQj1AfV

— Ryan James (@RyanJamesMN) August 8, 2020

Theory 2: Body Weight/ Strength

Although Thompson has the height of a Big Ten/high-major big, he doesn’t appear to have the muscle mass to go along with that size. He weighs just 190 pounds, according to 247Sports, which happens to be the same weight as 2020 Gophers commit Martice Mitchell. Mitchell is still dealing with those same criticisms today.

I don’t know how much this could’ve impacted his ranking — I’m sure not too much — but it could be one of the reasons for his drop.

Theory 3: Everyone hates the Gophers 

As stupid as this sounds, this could be a reason (although not likely). Thompson is a homegrown Minnesota kid who committed to his homestate school with not many offers. Now, if he committed to Texas Tech, this is a different conversation, as the Red Raiders have turned into a national contender.

Believe it or not, bias towards/against programs is real; just ask Duke or Kentucky. But in the grand scheme of things, the school Thompson is committed to probably doesn’t matter. 

The Truth

If you have a subscription to 247Sports affiliate, GopherIllustrated.com (if you don’t you should), then you would already know why Thompson dropped down the rankings. The recruiting big shot who loved Treyton at 247Sports is no longer with the outlet.

With Treyton the reason for the drop was honestly simple, Evan Daniels was always the one who really believed him in him in that top 80ish range, and I never did. I always felt with his limited offensive game he was more someone who was a high three-star who would fall outside the top 100. Evan always felt that he had more offensive ability than he did. Because of that, he was always a major debate when rankings time would come up.

Now that Evan has moved on to a different profession, those of us who are in the rankings group decided a drop outside the 100 was the right move. This was based upon previous evaluations as well as what we saw during this summer’s stuff when he was with D1 Minnesota.

Brian Snow – 247Sports CBB Recruiting Expert

Evan Daniels was hired by CAA to be an agent in the college basketball coaching division and no longer gets a vote… clearly. Oh well, Treyton Thompson’s ranking of 125th nationally is still plenty good. Plus, last time I checked, Richard Pitino doesn’t make evaluations using rankings. 

Chet Holmgren Tops List

• Minnehaha star Chet Holmgren came in as the number one overall player in the same 247Sports ranking. This past year the 7-footer averaged 14.3 points, 9.9 rebounds and 4.9 blocked shots per game, while playing on the same team as 5-star Jalen Suggs and 4-star Prince Aligbe, among others. While Holmgren is well-known for his viral move against Stephen Curry, he has shown that he can do much more than that, as 247Sports analyst Josh Gershon writes. 

“Extremely unique player who is unlike almost any American prospect in recent years… Despite lack of strength, very tough kid with impressive mental makeup. Has range to perimeter with jumper, good body control and high feel. Outstanding rim protector and rebounder. Level 10 motor.”

Josh Gershon on Chet Holmgren

247Sports also lists Minnesota and Gonzaga as “warm” regarding his interest in those two schools. 

Pedulla Moves Up

• Minnesota offered Sean Pedulla vaulted high up the 2021 rankings. After being ranked just inside the top 250 prospects nationally, Pedulla is now ranked as the 139th overall prospect in his class. The 6-foot-1 point guard from Oklahoma put on a show this summer, as he showed off his 3-point shooting and high IQ (clip below). Playing with Team Buddy Buckets, Pedulla picked up his first high-major offer from Minnesota this summer, while also gaining offers from Colorado State, Louisiana Tech, Tulsa, among others. Here’s what he had to say about Minnesota when speaking with Ryan James: 

“I have talked to Assistant Coach Kyle Lindsted a lot and I have talked to Coach Richard Pitino a little bit. The culture of basketball in Minnesota is getting big. It’s becoming a big basketball culture area and that’s a big thing for me because wherever I go I want to be about culture and winning. My high school is the same way and I know the culture is big there.

I like the Twin Cities, I like the area. I went to the Mall of America on Friday. That place is insane. I was amazed by it. There is nothing like that in Edmond, Oklahoma.”

Sean Pedulla via 247Sports

• Stewartville, Minn. native and Michigan commit Will Tschetter is still not ranked inside top 150 nationally, despite averaging over 33 points per game his junior year of high school and dominating this summer playing for the Minnesota Heat. Tschetter slid in at 199th in the 2021 class ranking.

Carson Ruen |Minnesota Sports Fan

Mutaf has committed to the #Gophers, he told 247… https://t.co/dy5hXCvWFw

— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) May 24, 2020

Richard Pitino added a 3-star recruit to his 2020 class on Sunday morning. Turkish guard David Mutaf has told 24/7 Sports that he will be attending the University of Minnesota, to play basketball for the Minnesota Gophers. 

Mutaf is 6’5 guard from Turkey, most recently playing for Fenerbahce Basketbol Subesi. Mutaf averaged 22 PPG, 6.75 RPG, and 2 APG in a small sample size in the 2019-2020 season.

“I decided to go University of Minnesota because I believe that Gophers is a good program for me and during recruiting process I had good communication with coach Pitino and his staff.” Mutaf said. “I believe they have good team and great fans. I am really excited to play there.”

247Sports.com

Mutaf chose Minnesota over USC, Georgetown, Arizona State, and Arkansas to name a few. Now, Mutaf joins 4-star recruits Jamal Mashburn Jr and Martice Mitchell in what seems to be a solid recruiting class for Pitino and company.

Hopefully, with Mutaf, Mashburn Jr, and Mitchell joining the Gophers, the U can become competitive in the Big Ten once again and battle for a spot in the “Big Dance” this year. I have a feeling Pitino’s job relies heavily on this incoming class. 

Cam Thompson | Minnesota Sports Fan