Gophers Reel Former Medved Star Out of UNC

Minnesota lands top transfer Kyan Evans, reuniting him with former coach Niko Medved

Apr. 18, 2026 at 7:23pm

A cubist, geometric painting featuring overlapping planes of bright blue, orange, and green, conceptually representing the fractured, multi-dimensional nature of a basketball game or match.The Gophers' latest transfer portal acquisition brings a familiar face back to the team, as Kyan Evans reunites with his former coach Niko Medved.Orono Today

The Minnesota Gophers men's basketball team has added another key transfer, landing North Carolina junior guard Kyan Evans. Evans previously played for two seasons under current Gophers head coach Niko Medved at Colorado State, where he averaged double-digit points. After a limited role at UNC last season, Evans has now reunited with Medved in Minnesota.

Why it matters

The addition of Evans is a major coup for the Gophers, as they look to rebuild their roster through the transfer portal. Evans' familiarity with Medved's system and previous success under the coach make him a valuable piece that should help the Gophers improve on their recent struggles.

The details

Evans played in 33 games for UNC last season but started only 17, averaging 4 points, 2.5 assists and 1.7 rebounds per game. That was a significant drop-off from his sophomore season at Colorado State, where he averaged 10.6 points, 3.1 assists and 2.9 rebounds under Medved. The Gophers had been pursuing Evans since he entered the portal, and he ultimately chose to reunite with his former coach despite interest from other programs like Iowa.

  • Evans entered the transfer portal in April 2026.
  • Evans visited Minnesota just a few days after entering the portal.
  • Evans also visited Iowa before ultimately committing to the Gophers.

The players

Kyan Evans

A junior guard who played his first two collegiate seasons at Colorado State under current Minnesota head coach Niko Medved, before transferring to North Carolina last year. He is now reuniting with Medved at Minnesota.

Niko Medved

The head coach of the Minnesota Gophers men's basketball team, who previously coached Kyan Evans at Colorado State.

Nolan Groves

A 2025 Minnesota Gatorade Player of the Year who transferred to Minnesota from Texas Tech.

Malick Kordel

A transfer big man from Michigan who joined the Gophers.

Winters Grady

A transfer from Michigan who also joined the Gophers.

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What they’re saying

“North Carolina picked up Colorado State guard Kyan Evans ‼️‼️Averaged: 10.6 PPG 2.9 RPG 3.1 APG Splits: 45% 3PT 85% FT 47 % FG in Mountain West.”

— Jay

What’s next

The Gophers now have one remaining scholarship spot to fill in the transfer portal. It remains to be seen how much NIL money they have left to offer that final spot.

The takeaway

The addition of Kyan Evans is a major win for the Gophers, as they look to rebuild through the transfer portal. His prior success playing under coach Niko Medved at Colorado State makes him a valuable piece that should help the team improve after recent struggles.