Gophers Eagerly Compete in Crown Men’s Basketball Tournament
Niko Medved asked his short-handed roster weeks ago whether they wanted to play in the Crown tournament in Las Vegas. They agreed, and Minnesota accepted an invitation to the second-year event for high-major programs.
The tournament carries a $500,000 name, image and likeness purse. That factor helped convince players to continue the season.
Tournament matchup and schedule
Minnesota (15-17) will open against Baylor (16-16) on Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. The game will be at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Semifinals are scheduled Saturday, with the championship set for Sunday. If the payout structure remains like last year, teams will earn NIL money based on finishing position.
Payout history
- Nebraska won last year’s event and received $300,000 in NIL.
- Central Florida was runner-up and collected $100,000.
- Villanova and Boise State each earned $50,000 as semifinalists.
Why Minnesota was invited
The Crown targeted high NET-ranked programs that missed the NCAA Tournament. That formula left room for teams like Minnesota to be asked.
Medved said he was not surprised to receive an invitation. The Gophers finished 11th in the Big Ten, where nine teams reached March Madness.
Roster status and season context
The season has been marked by season-ending injuries to three starters. Minnesota also produced three notable upsets of ranked opponents.
Medved confirmed the team will use the same six-player rotation against Baylor that closed the regular season. The group has practiced and prepared under that plan.
Returning players and roster news
Dinkytown Athletes announced that point guard Isaac Asuma and wing Bobby Durkin will return for the 2026-27 season. Both news items doubled the number of confirmed returners.
Earlier, forwards Jaylen Crocker-Johnson and Grayson Grove had already been announced as returnees.
- Asuma started all 32 games, averaging 11.1 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game.
- Durkin became a starter in December, averaging 10.3 points while shooting 40 percent from three.
- Durkin will be a senior next winter. Asuma will be a true junior.
Coaching and transfer updates
Assistant coach Chad Warner left Minnesota to join the staff at Clemson. His departure creates an opening on Medved’s bench ahead of year two.
Two players from this season’s roster are expected to enter the transfer portal when it opens next week. Those players are center Nehemiah Turner and wing B.J. Omot.
The Gophers are eager to compete in the Crown men’s basketball tournament and use the event as momentum for next season. The Crown also covers team travel, hotels, local transport, food allowances and training facilities.
Reporting for Filmogaz.com.
