With Thorson on Board, Gabe Kalscheur Needs to Be Johnson’s Next Priority

Photo: Star Tribune

Ben Johnson has done a lot of selling lately. He sold Mark Coyle on hiring him and then he sold himself to the public in his introductory press conference. Most recently, he’s sold three transfer portal targets on playing for the Minnesota Gophers next season, before selling local high school basketball coaching legend, Dave Thorson, on joining his assistant staff.

Now, Ben and Dave need to turn around sell their fellow DeLaSalle alum, Gabe Kalscheur, on exiting the transfer portal in favor of a return to Dinkytown with them. Remember, Dave Thorson coached Gabe at DeLaSalle and reportedly has a great relationship with him.

The Gophers need leadership, defense, shooting and stability. We know Gabe provides three of those things and he came in with the ability to provide all four. If Gabe’s old coach can help him tap back into that deep stroke he could become one of the best wings in the Big Ten on a team that is suddenly lacking high-end scorers and talent.



Who’s Pursuing Gabe?

Matthew Bain of USA Today says Wisconsin, Iowa State and Clemson have touched base with Kalscheur. Badger fans are obsessed with reeling him in but GopherIllustrated.com insider, Ryan James, seems hopeful that Gabe returns now that Thorson and Johnson are both on the Minnesota bench. Nothing is guaranteed in 2021, however.

So until Kalscheur makes an announcement, Gopher faithful will be left with more questions than answers.



Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan