Gophers guard Braeden Carrington, who started the first 10 games, is back from his leave of absence to focus on his mental health. He's expected to be available to play after Friday's game vs. Maine.

By Marcus Fuller

December 28, 2023 at 1:58AM

Gophers guard Braeden Carrington talked to fans during a basketball game at Park Center, where the former Pirate was honored during a 74-65 victory over Armstrong on Dec. 15. He was joined by Gophers teammates and coaches for the event. (Angelina Katsanis, Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Gophers sophomore guard Braeden Carrington is back from his leave of absence to deal with his mental health and progressing toward playing again, coach Ben Johnson said Wednesday.

The Gophers (9-3) announced Carrington's indefinite leave of absence on Dec. 12 after his social media posts about focusing on himself. Johnson said he will practice with the basketball team, but he is not expected to play Friday against Maine.

"[Tuesday] was the first day in three weeks where I could tell he was in a good spot," Johnson said. "In terms of just [being] happy and in a good place, smile on his face."

The 6-4 Brooklyn Park native started all 10 games for the Gophers this season before missing the 101-65 victory Dec. 12 over IUPUI at Williams Arena. Carrington averaged 5.8 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists, and he was the Gophers' best perimeter defender.

Sign up for our Gophers Update newsletter

After taking a break from the team, Carrington was honored at his alma mater during Park Center's 74-65 victory over Armstrong on Dec. 15. The former Minnesota Mr. Basketball was joined at the game by his Gophers teammates and coaches.

"My heart isn't all there for basketball, and I didn't want to hurt the team," Carrington told the Star Tribune about part of the reason why he left.

But Carrington also shared a message to other athletes going through mental health struggles, "Don't be afraid to speak up."

"I was one of those people who thought you could just tough it out," Carrington told the Star Tribune. "There are a lot more people behind me than I would've thought."

The Gophers also defeated Ball State 80-63 on Dec. 21 without Carrington, but Johnson said he was still working out at the facility and around the program during his leave.

"He's never batted an eye; he's been two feet in," Johnson said about Carrington's commitment to the program. "He's got to get his conditioning back. I want him to go through a week of practice before he would go compete. That's the only reason why I'm choosing to hold him out [Friday]."