New Hampshire transfer and former Irondale guard Sean Sutherlin picks Gophers

New Hampshire graduate transfer Sean Sutherlin became the fourth commitment for new Gophers men's basketball coach Ben Johnson on Sunday.

The 6-foot-5, 200-pound former Irondale standout averaged 12.8 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 2019-20, but he sat out last season after having hip surgery.

"When Minnesota reached out I was really excited," Sutherlin told the Star Tribune. "This is definitely a dream come true. It's something I've been thinking about for a long time. When coach offered I really had no other choice but to accept."

Sutherlin, who was also hearing from Missouri recently, first announced he was transferring in February. But his recruitment didn't pick up until recently.

Johnson talked to Sutherlin for the first time on the phone Thursday. After the Gophers received his transcripts, he learned they were interested in bringing him home after receiving a scholarship offer Sunday.

"I'm definitely really excited to come back home," Sutherlin said. "I love everything about Minnesota."

Following his senior year at Irondale in 2017, he played two seasons at Sheridan College in Wyoming, which included averaging 10.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists as a sophomore.

In his first season at New Hampshire, Sutherlin was a rebounding machine by leading the American East Conference with 12 double-doubles and ranking second in rebounds per game. He scored 20 or more points four times, including 21 points and career-high 20 rebounds vs. Bryant.

"I definitely pride myself on rebounding, because I feel like it wins basketball games," Sutherlin said. "At Minnesota, I feel like I can help with defense, toughness, rebounding and scoring. So, I feel like it's going to be a good experience."

Despite having seven players in the transfer portal from last season's roster, Johnson continues to make the portal also work in his favor.

The Gophers, who saw former starting guard Gabe Kalscheur commit Saturday to Iowa State, have also landed three other transfers with George Washington's Jamison Battle, Lafayette's E.J. Stephens and William & Mary's Luke Loewe.

Sutherlin's Minnesota ties might come in handy. His former Minnesota Heat AAU teammate is Division II Northern State transfer and Gophers target Parker Fox, who is from Mahtomedi.

"He's a close friend of mine playing AAU with him," Sutherlin said. "We're going to try to get him as well."