Isaac Asuma to Return for Third Season with Gophers

The homegrown star has a chance to cement his legacy as one of Minnesota's most celebrated players in recent memory.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 6:50pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of maroon, gold, and cherry red colors, representing the Minnesota Golden Gophers and Asuma's high school team.Asuma's return to the Gophers represents the next step in cementing his legacy as a homegrown star and leader for the program.Minneapolis Today

Isaac Asuma, a standout guard for the Minnesota Golden Gophers, has announced that he will return for his third season with the team in 2026-27. Asuma, who hails from Cherry, Minnesota, has already played over 60 games for the Gophers and has the opportunity to lead the program to new heights.

Why it matters

Asuma's decision to stay with the Gophers is significant, as the program has struggled to retain top in-state talent in recent years. His return gives the team a chance to build around a homegrown star and potentially end their NCAA Tournament drought.

The details

Asuma emerged as a key contributor for the Gophers as a true freshman, and he solidified his role as a starting guard this past season, averaging 11.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. With the coaching change from Ben Johnson to Niko Medved, Asuma has shown his commitment to the program and will now have the chance to take his game to the next level as a junior.

  • Asuma announced his return for the 2026-27 season on March 31, 2026.
  • He will be entering his third season with the Gophers in the upcoming campaign.

The players

Isaac Asuma

A standout guard from Cherry, Minnesota, who has played over 60 games for the Gophers and is poised to become one of the most celebrated players in the program's recent history.

Ben Johnson

The former head coach of the Minnesota Golden Gophers, who Asuma played under during his first two seasons with the team.

Niko Medved

The current head coach of the Minnesota Golden Gophers, who took over the program after Asuma's first season and has now retained the homegrown star for the 2026-27 season.

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What they’re saying

“Isaac Asuma will return to the Gophers for the 2026-27 season”

— DinkytownAthletes, Official NIL collective for the University of Minnesota

What’s next

Asuma will look to build on his strong sophomore season and lead the Gophers to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in several years. The team's success in the 2026-27 campaign could cement Asuma's legacy as one of the most important players in the program's recent history.

The takeaway

Asuma's decision to return to Minnesota for his third season is a significant boost for the Gophers' basketball program. As a homegrown talent, he has the opportunity to become a beloved figure in the state and help the team return to the NCAA Tournament, something that has eluded the program in recent years.