Although it’s just an exhibition against Omaha, Thursday night gave us our first look at the 2026-27 Gophers men’s basketball team in a live setting against another opponent.
Starting lineup
- G: Isaac Asuma
- G: Kyan Evans
- F: Bobby Durkin
- F: Jaylen Crocker-Johnson
- C: Grayson Grove
Four of the Gophers’ starters on Thursday night were expected. Asuma, Durkin and Crocker-Johnson all started more than 20 games last season, and they will now be cornerstones of this year’s team. Evans was arguably their most important transfer pickup, and he’ll start in the backcourt alongside Asuma.
Grove’s spot in Minnesota’s starting five is a slight surprise. After a tremendous end to the 2025-26 season, he has seemingly carried that momentum into a great offseason. Michigan transfer big man Malick Kordel received some offseason hype, so it will be interesting to monitor the Gophers’ preferred frontcourt throughout the season.
Cade Tyson was with the team in street clothes, and it will be interesting to see how his eligibility for the 2026-27 season could impact Minnesota’s rotation.
Cade Tyson in street clothes during the Gophers’ warmups for their exhibition against Omaha, as he awaits is eligibility status for the 2026-27 season. pic.twitter.com/ATQ4FBejAZ
— Tony Liebert (@TonyLiebert) October 15, 2026
Bench
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This story was originally published by Bring Me The Sports on Oct 15, 2026, where it first appeared in the MN Gophers section. Add Bring Me The Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.