Michigan Transfer Malick Kordel Brings Size to Minnesota

The 7-foot-2 center will fill a major need for the Gophers in 2026-27.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 2:55pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the overlapping planes and shapes of a basketball game, with vibrant colors representing the physicality and intensity of the sport.A cubist interpretation of the size and physicality that will define the Gophers' frontcourt with the addition of 7-foot-2 transfer Malick Kordel.Ann Arbor Today

The Gophers have landed a commitment from Michigan center Malick Kordel, a 7-foot-2 big man who will provide much-needed size and interior presence for Minnesota next season. Kordel, a 22-year-old German native, played sparingly as a freshman at Michigan but brings professional experience and impressive physical tools that could make him a valuable addition to the Gophers' frontcourt.

Why it matters

Minnesota struggled with size and interior defense last season, an issue that was highlighted by the success of larger frontcourts around the Big Ten. Kordel's arrival gives the Gophers a true center to pair with standout forward Jaylen Crocker-Johnson, potentially raising the team's ceiling in the conference.

The details

Kordel, who hails from Oberhausen, Germany, played three years of professional basketball in Europe before joining Michigan last season. Though he was primarily a reserve for the Wolverines, the 7-footer showed flashes of his potential, averaging 11.7 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game for Fraport Skyliners Juniors in 2024-25. Minnesota is hoping Kordel can make a similar developmental leap to what Michigan's Aday Mara experienced, transforming from a role player to an impactful starter.

  • Kordel just completed his freshman season at Michigan in 2025-26.
  • He will join the Gophers for the 2026-27 season.

The players

Malick Kordel

A 7-foot-2 center from Oberhausen, Germany, who played professionally in Europe before joining Michigan last season and will now transfer to Minnesota.

Jaylen Crocker-Johnson

A standout forward for the Gophers who could form a formidable frontcourt duo with the addition of Kordel.

Aday Mara

The Michigan center who made a significant leap in production during his time with the Wolverines, providing a potential developmental model for Kordel.

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What they’re saying

“Being tall will only get you so far, and you obviously have to be skilled in order to contribute on a Big Ten court.”

— Tony Liebert, Sports Writer

What’s next

Kordel will join the Gophers for the 2026-27 season, where he will look to make an immediate impact and help Minnesota address its size and interior defense issues.

The takeaway

The addition of Malick Kordel gives the Gophers a much-needed boost in size and interior presence, potentially raising the team's ceiling in the Big Ten next season. If Kordel can follow a similar developmental path as Michigan's Aday Mara, he could be a game-changing presence for Minnesota.