Gophers junior guard Both Gach was one of two players still on the roster from last season, but he's now expected to enter the transfer portal, a source told the Star Tribune.
Gophers guard Both Gach is expected to enter the transfer portal
The 6-6 junior from Austin decided recently that he would likely not be returning to the Gophers next season.
May 11, 2021 at 4:15AM
Gach, a 6-6 former Austin standout, transferred back to his home state last year after spending his first two seasons at Utah. He averaged 6.8 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 29 games last season, which included 16 starts.
"Now with the transfer portal, it's almost impossible to keep 13 guys happy," new Gophers coach Ben Johnson said earlier this spring.
In seven nonconference games, Gach averaged 14.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists and shot 57% from the field, but he had a difficult time adjusting to Big Ten play, especially after a lingering foot injury.
Not being able to see his family during the pandemic made it tough on Gach as he struggled to get healthy last season.
"For me it's about being confident when I'm out there on the court and putting other things aside," Gach said earlier in the year.
In late March, Gach had surgery on his right foot. He initially spoke then to new Gophers coach Ben Johnson about returning to the team. Johnson and Gach had another conversation recently, though, about his decision to likely transfer and finish his career elsewhere, according to a source.
The Gophers have signed six transfers this spring, but Gach is expected to be the 10th player to enter the portal from last season's team. Sophomore forward Isaiah Ihnen would be the only player remaining from the 2020-21 roster.
Gach's departure would mean no more guards returning from the Richard Pitino era. But Johnson already signed five transfers to play on the perimeter. William & Mary's Luke Loewe, Lafayette's E.J. Stephens, New Hampshire's Sean Sutherlin and Charleston's Payton Willis have experience playing all three backcourt positions. George Washington's Jamison Battle is a three-point shooting specialist at forward.
The main focus for the Gophers right now is on the frontcourt with likely five scholarships remaining for the 2021-22 season.
"I don't know if we'll end up using all 13 scholarships," Johnson said recently. "We're not just going to use them to use them. We'll be smart with the guys we end up taking. The main focus is to get a good core and good depth."
Carr declares for draft
Gophers All-Big Ten guard Marcus Carr, who has been in the transfer portal since earlier this spring, officially declared for the NBA draft, according to his Instagram account.
Carr declared for last year's draft as well, only to return to the Gophers. The 6-2 junior averaged 19.4 points and 4.0 assists in 2020-21.
"Playing in the NBA has always been a dream of mine since I was a kid," Carr wrote on his post. "After speaking with my family and coaches, I have decided to enter my name into the 2021 draft. Thank you to everybody who has helped me and pushed me to get to this point. Thank you Gopher Nation for being a part of my journey."
The Big Ten’s leading returning scorer is expected to resume activities in September after suffering a left foot injury in practice this month.
