Gophers hoops lands Oregon guard transfer after Hawkins' departure

Oregon transfer Brennan Rigsby, who visited the Gophers men's basketball team this week, announced his commitment Wednesday to play for the U.

Rigsby said he committed to the Gophers coaches on Tuesday at the end of his Minnesota visit.

"I felt like just how the whole coaching staff is connected and the players all have the right mindset and one goal we're trying to get to made it the right fit," Rigsby told the Star Tribune. "They have a lot of confidence in me and see what role I can play for them."

The 6-3, 185-pound Colorado native averaged 6.1 points and 2.7 rebounds while shooting 35% from three-point range with the Ducks. But he started 13 games and scored in double figures six times last season. He had a season-high 19 points in a Dec. 2 win vs. Michigan and 16 points and six rebounds vs. Georgia.

In wins against Oregon State and Michigan, Rigsby had a combined four dunks. The first basket of his Division I career came after slamming down an offensive rebound in a win against Washington State in 2022-23.

"I feel like I can space the floor and have some athleticism to me," Rigsby said. "I'm a veteran, which is weird to say because I've played for so long now. But I'll bring experience."

Rigsby, who has a vertical jump of more than 40 inches, played in 21 games and averaged 18 minutes for the Ducks two years ago after starting his career in junior college. He led Northwest Florida State College to the National Junior College Athletic Association title in 2022.

The Gophers now have three guards for the 2024-25 season, including returning starter Mike Mitchell Jr. and incoming freshman Isaac Asuma. They return leading scorer and rebounder Dawson Garcia.

Johnson and his staff signed Canisius big man Frank Mitchell last week to add depth in the frontcourt. They're still seeking to bolster the Gophers backcourt in the transfer portal, especially after Big Ten assist leader and starting point guard Elijah Hawkins entered the portal Monday.

"The guys who are there are great," Rigsby said. "I gelled with them really well and I think we can do some great things there."