Gophers men’s basketball coach Ben Johnson wanted the improvement in his 2023-24 team to be a stepping stone for more success next year.
That projected upward trajectory suffered a big setback Thursday when sophomore center Pharrel Payne entered the NCAA transfer portal, a source confirmed to the Pioneer Press. It was first reported by 247sports.
Payne, of Cottage Grove, was a building block for the future after he averaged 10.0 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 31 games last season. The 6-foot-9 post player is the second player to leave the U this week, following backup forward Josh Ola-Joseph on Wednesday. The Gophers now have two vacant scholarship spots for next year.
Johnson knew players had personal decisions to make once the season ended in the second round of the National Invitation Tournament on Sunday, but he wanted to emphasize what the U could be next season in a possible run to the NCAA Tournament.
He was “hoping” the bulk of the roster would remain together for next year. “I think this is a really good group,” Johnson said March 5. “I think it’s a fun group. I think it’s a group, again, still with an offseason can get better and be more consistent and has a chance to really be improved next year.”
The uncertain futures of forward Dawson Garcia and guard Cam Christie was the primary uncertainty going into the offseason. The storyline centered on: Could those two leading scorers jet to the NBA?
Payne was not at the top of this list. He made progress from his freshman year, becoming more comfortable and assertive on the court. He moved into the starting lineup midseason and saw his statistical averages jump over last season.
The Gophers were welcoming North Dakota State transfer big man Andrew Morgan for a visit this week. The idea was he would back-up Payne next season. Now the U will have to go into the portal for multiple post players for the 2024-25 season.
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