The Gophers men’s basketball team has lost seven straight games, and 10th-ranked Michigan State is up next, here Wednesday night for a Big Ten game at Williams Arena.

But this ongoing skid is not as bleak as it might appear.

While head coach Niko Medved bristles at opportunities to take moral victories, one fact is important to lean on in these lean times: The majority of Minnesota’s roster will have eligibility remaining for at least next season. They can learn from this rough patch and apply it in the future, potentially to the Gophers’ benefit in 2026-27.

While leading scorer Cade Tyson and guard Langston Reynolds are seniors, the three other starters can return next season: junior Jaylen Crocker-Johnson, sophomore Isaac Asuma and junior Bobby Durkin.

Two starters during nonconference play, point guard Chansey Willis and center Robert Vaihola, were seniors, but due to season-ending injuries are candidates for medical redshirts and could return for 2026-27. The same would go for B.J. Omot and Chance Stephens, who have not played at all this season.

Medved, in his first season at the U, said he’s constantly looking to the future. “Your focus is on this year, but you are always thinking about your program,” he told the Pioneer Press last week. “What is next? How do we build on this?

“For us, too, being in Year 1, you are also trying to set a foundation. You are thinking about what can we build on going into next spring and summer. We spend a lot of time thinking about that and what it might look like.”

Every Gophers player is currently signed to one-year revenue sharing contracts, the Pioneer Press learned, so all of the key players would have to re-sign to return to Minnesota for next season.

The two biggest pieces would be Crocker-Johnson, who followed Medved from Colorado State. Asuma stayed loyal to the U through the coaching change from Ben Johnson last March.

Durikin, a transfer from Davidson, has adjusted to the Big Ten level and is averaging 17.3 points in his past three game. That’s up from 9.3 points a game.

“Those thoughts go through your mind,” Durkin said about next year. “But I just try to stay locked in on the present moment and what I have to do (Tuesday) at practice and the best way I can be prepared for Michigan State.”

Because of injuries, the Gophers have had to rely on two freshmen in their seven-man rotation. Both big Grayson Grove and guard Kai Shinholster have shown signs of development, which bodes well for larger roles next season.

Next year’s mix also will include three incoming freshman: Wayzata wing Nolen Anderson, East Ridge point guard Ced Tomes and Irvine, Calif., center Carrack Mpoyi. While Medved and staff went out and signed three high school recruits, it’s important to know the existing cupboard will not be bare — unlike last year.

Under Johnson a year ago, five of the top six players were seniors. The lion’s share of the offense went through Dawson Garcia, and their 15-17 overall record — 7-13 in Big Ten play — didn’t leave hop for a brighter tomorrow.

This year’s situation has a different vibe.

Briefly

Tyson reported soreness in his ankle after playing 27 minutes in the 77-75 loss to Penn State on Sunday, but it doesn’t appear it will be an issue that will keep him from playing against the Spartans, Medved said. Tyson, who scored 17 on Sunday, missed one game, a 67-63 loss at Wisconsin last Wednesday.

Related Articles

Gophers men hit new low in 77-75 loss to last-place Penn State

Gophers’ Niko Medved calls out lack of ‘respect’ from Badgers

Men’s basketball: Badgers rally past visiting Gophers

Men’s basketball: Gophers’ Cade Tyson doubtful to play vs. Wisconsin

Gophers report $2.4 million surplus due to Big Ten revenue jump