News Summary

Nolen Anderson, a 6-foot-7 senior wing from Wayzata High School, has committed to the Gophers basketball program. Ranked No. 2 in Minnesota, Anderson’s decision follows a stellar performance with his AAU team and significant support from the Gophers coaching staff. With a deep family connection to the university, he aims to leave a legacy while leading his high school team to further success.

Minnesota’s Own Nolen Anderson Commits to Gophers Basketball Program

In the bustling city of Minnesota, there’s exciting news for basketball enthusiasts! Nolen Anderson, a standout 6-foot-7 senior wing from Wayzata High School, has officially committed to the Gophers basketball program. This move has created a buzz among fans as Anderson proudly represents the state’s elite talent.

A Rising Star

Anderson has made quite a name for himself, ranking as the No. 2 basketball senior in Minnesota. His journey to this moment has been nothing short of remarkable, culminating in his recent announcement where he pledged his future to the Gophers coach, Niko Medved. This commitment comes fresh on the heels of a stellar performance with his AAU team, D1 Minnesota 17U, where he helped them achieve a national runner-up finish—a feat that did not go unnoticed by the Gophers coaching staff.

Impressive Performance on the Big Stage

Anderson’s breakout performance took place at the Adidas 3SSB championship game in South Carolina, where he showcased his impressive skills on a national platform. It was during this time that the Gophers extended a scholarship offer, which he eagerly accepted. With Medved and assistant coach Dave Thorson closely monitoring his progress and attending all his games, it was clear that the Gophers team was genuinely invested in Anderson’s development.

Relationship with Gophers Coaching Staff

His recruitment journey saw him build a strong relationship with the coaching staff, especially after the previous coach, Ben Johnson, was let go. Throughout his recruitment, he attracted attention from several universities, receiving offers from schools like Virginia Tech, Drake, Illinois-Chicago, and more. However, Minnesota remained home, making this a heartfelt choice for Anderson.

Skill Development and Achievements

This summer, Anderson worked hard to expand his game beyond just being a three-point shooter—he honed his skills to become a multi-dimensional player capable of scoring from every level on the court. His efforts paid off during his senior high school season, where he ranked second on his team, averaging an impressive 17.5 points per game. Notably, he played a pivotal role in leading Wayzata to a Class 4A state title, dazzling fans with a standout performance of 24 points, 10 rebounds, and two steals in the championship game against Cretin-Derham Hall.

Teammates and Support

Anderson’s journey has also been closely intertwined with his teammates, particularly fellow Wayzata senior Christian Wiggins, who is currently ranked as the No. 1 player in the Class of 2026, and Gophers recruit Cedric Tomes, who ranks No. 3. Having played alongside Wiggins and Tomes on the highly successful D1 Minnesota AAU team, Anderson deeply appreciates the importance of having teammates with shared aspirations since their middle school days.

A Personal Connection to the Gophers

Anderson’s ties to the Gophers extend beyond the court. His late grandfather, Marlo Miller, was a proud player for the University of Minnesota from 1957 to 1960. This familial connection adds an emotional layer to Anderson’s commitment, as he steps on the same court where his grandfather once played. It’s a dream come true for Anderson, and he hopes to create a legacy of success just like his grandfather.

Looking Ahead

As Anderson gears up to start his college basketball journey, he remains focused on his final high school season, determined to recreate the success from last year and add another state title to his achievements. With excitement coursing through his veins, the future looks incredibly bright for Nolen Anderson and the Gophers basketball program!

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