Recruiting state talent will remain a priority for new Gophers men’s basketball coach Niko Medved. The Roseville native saw Minnesota turn into a basketball hotbed while growing up. “I just watched Minnesota high school basketball be transformed,

The university fired previous coach Ben Johnson following a disappointing 15-17 season that ended with a first-round exit in the Big Ten Tournament. Johnson, a Minneapolis native and former Gophers player, had two seasons left on his contract, requiring a $2.92 million buyout. His $1.95 million annual salary was the lowest in the conference.

Niko Medved, who just completed a historic, 26-10 season as men’s basketball coach at CSU Rams, will take the same position with Minnesota, it was revealed Monday morning. CSU athletic director John Weber confirmed reports of Medved’s exit for his alma mater with a statement released just after noon.