Gopher Big Man Rides Transfer Portal to New Home

The Minnesota Gophers men’s basketball season wrapped up nearly two weeks ago, with a first-round exit in the Big Ten Tournament. Since then, they’ve made some program-changing moves.

It started just hours after the season did, when AD Mark Coyle parted ways with head coach Ben Johnson. He then quickly moved his gaze to another U of M alum, Niko Medved, who was hired officially on Monday, fresh off leading Colorado State to the 2nd round of the NCAA Tournament.

With Medved now in charge, the focus shifts again, this time to the roster. Thanks to the transfer portal, the options available to Medved are endless, including some rumored additions off of his Rams roster. But in 2025, talent acquisition comes down to how much NIL you have to offer.

Minnesota Gophers (C) Frank Mitchell commits to St. Bonaventure

Unless, of course, you’re Canadian and thus not allowed the same access to Name, Image and Likeness opportunities. Like 2024-25 one-and-done Gopher, Frank Mitchell, an Ontario (CA) native.

News broke on Tuesday afternoon that Mitchell is on the move once again, after just one season with the program. After transferring in from Canisius, the 6’8″, 260-pound big man averaged 4.9 points and 4.7 rebounds in 15.6 minutes per game as a Golden Gopher, including nine starts. Now, he’s moving onto St. Bonaventure.

NEWS: Minnesota transfer big man Frank Mitchell has committed to St. Bonaventure, sources tell @On3sports.

The 6-8 junior had double-doubles against Rutgers, Wisconsin, and USC this season. Averaged 8.8 points and 8.4 rebounds in his last five games of the season, shooting 83%… pic.twitter.com/T1DsHvdPGH

— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) March 25, 2025

Frank Mitchell bringing the JUICE. 🧃 #B1GMBBall pic.twitter.com/1Gi3TqNHDu

— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) February 26, 2025

Mitchell spent one season at Canisius before transferring to Minnesota, making this his third college team in three years, but he should have two seasons remaining of eligibility. Because he is from Canada, Mitchell faces restrictions on NIL opportunities, due to his student visa status, which limits the types of employment and endorsements he can pursue in the U.S.

Related: Mark Coyle Gets His Guy for Gophers Basketball

That being said, it’ll be interesting to hear why he decided to return to a mid-major program. Sure, he’ll likely get more playing time, but he could’ve been a key piece for Medved’s squad next season. He showed flashes of potential all year, racking up three double-doubles along the way.