Gophers men's basketball lands 7-foot-1 Dennis Evans for team's biggest recruiting win in 20 years

Ben Johnson made the biggest splash in recruiting for the Gophers men's basketball program in nearly 20 years with a commitment from five-star California center Dennis Evans.

The 7-1 senior from Riverside Hillcrest said he was sure Johnson and assistant Marcus Jenkins wanted to shout in celebration when he told them about his decision over the phone before releasing his announcement video Monday.

"They were pretty excited," said Evans, who picked the Gophers over Texas Christian. "I had a really good relationship with them. They were honest with me about everything. It made the decision feel right."

Arguably the top shot blocker in the 2023 class, Evans is highest-rated incoming U recruit since former Hopkins star Kris Humphries in 2003 — ranking 13th nationally by Rivals.com.

Not since the 1990s have the Gophers landed an incoming recruit rated higher from out of state than Evans, who is also ranked 27th in his class by 247Sports.com and 28th by PrepHoops.com.

Evans is working on expanding his offensive skills beyond the paint but his rim protecting is more than just elite. With a 7-7 wingspan, he blocked 10 or more shots in a game five times last season, including a 16-block effort. That was the fifth best mark in California prep history.

"I hope to add defensive and offensive value," Evans said. "Being a player who is able to play inside and outside, a player who is very versatile and a very good shot blocker."

Despite finishing last in the Big Ten in 2021-22, the Gophers sold Evans early in the recruiting process to help them build a program into a contender. Jenkins, a California native, first saw Evans last year when recruiting current freshman guard Jaden Henley.

"Ben and Marcus have done a tremendous job recruiting Dennis," Inland AAU coach Elvert 'Kool-Aid' Perry said. "They've been honest and up front. It wasn't about the NIL stuff and all that. We were just looking for the right environment. Minnesota has an environment. Jaden loves it there."

TCU and the Gophers were Evans' finalists, which shocked the recruiting world because national champion Kansas had offered him a scholarship.

Interest picked up for Evans from other top-tier Power Five basketball programs this fall, but the Gophers remained at the top of his list. Evans is different. He wasn't impressed by bigger NIL opportunities or championship pedigree.

Before his official visit with the Gophers earlier this month, Evans and his mother were stuck in the airport for hours after their flight was canceled. But he was determined to see Minnesota.

"I really liked their playing style," Evans said about watching the Gophers practice. "They coached to what guys were good at and their strengths. You just fell in love with the way guys played and the way the program runs things."

Evans doesn't brag about his status as a game-changing prospect for the Gophers. He knows he needs to add bulk to his 215-pound frame to handle the physical play in the Big Ten.

Evans, who will be 17 going to college, is still filling into his body. He sprouted 10 inches in the seventh and eighth grades. He was 6-11 and wore size 16 shoes by the time he entered high school.

A raw talent with only one Division I offer before his junior year, Evans watched his confidence soar last season when he averaged 11 points, 10 rebounds, and seven blocks.

Playing for Team USA's U17 World Cup squad, Evans won a gold medal this summer. He was also one of the top performers at the USA junior national team training camp this month.

"If the people around him are patient he has a chance to be a very, very impactful player," said California-based veteran national recruiting analyst Frank Burlison, who said Evans is closer to 7-2. "He brings some rare things, especially in this modern era of basketball."

Johnson, who can't comment on his recruits until early November signing day, could have one of the Big Ten's top 2023 recruiting classes with Evans joining four-star Rolling Meadows (Ill.) guard Cameron Christie, ranked 84th nationally by 247Sports.com.

"Super excited to see," Christie said about Evans' commitment. "Can't wait to get on the court with him and work together to bring Minnesota wins and championships in the near future."