5 things to watch as Gophers basketball opens exhibition play against Omaha

Minnesota Gophers basketball prepares for their first exhibition game of the 2026-27 season, facing Omaha on Thursday, October 15, at The Barn. The match kicks off at 7 p.m. CT and will be broadcast live on BTN+. This exhibition provides an opportunity to observe the new roster and assess their rotation ahead of the regular-season opener on November 2.

The Gophers have integrated five transfers and four freshmen into their squad, necessitating a solid understanding of their preferences and strategies. Coach Chris Crutchfield, who leads the Omaha Mavericks, has assembled a competitive program; however, the Gophers should achieve a comfortable victory. Following the Omaha game, Minnesota will host Creighton on Friday, October 23, at 7:30 p.m. CT, with the game broadcasted on the @gocreighton YouTube channel.

A key question that remains to be answered is the starting lineup. Preliminary information suggests Isaac Asuma, Kyan Evans, Bobby Durkin, Jaylen Crocker-Johnson, and Malick Kordel will form the core of Minnesota's lineup. Kordel, a 7'2" transfer from Michigan, is still learning the game, having picked up basketball as a teenager in Germany.

His role and playing time are uncertain, sparking curiosity about his potential minutes. The wing position comprises Asuma and Evans as the starting guards, with Crocker-Johnson, Kordel, Grove, and freshman Chadrick Mpoyi in the big man category. The remaining positions are still up for debate. Notable transfers Nolan Groves and Kai Shinholster have joined the team, but questions remain regarding their roles and contributions.

Minnesota's depth this season surpasses that of the previous year, which is likely to influence the team's strategies and decision-making during these exhibition games.