Gophers men’s basketball team signs 2 recruits for 2021 class

The University of Minnesota men’s basketball team signed two 2021 recruits on Wednesday.

The Gophers announced that Treyton Thompson and Kenny Pohto each signed their National Letter of Intent to join the program beginning in the 2021-22 season.

Thompson, a 6-foot, 11-inch center, was rated a four-star recruit and the No. 22 center in the country by ESPN. After two years at Alexandria High School in Minnesota, Thompson transferred to La Lumiere School in Indiana.

"Treyton Thompson was a very important recruit for us," head coach Richard Pitino said. "It’s always huge to get one of the best players out of the state of Minnesota. Treyton has the size and skill to make an impact at the Big Ten level. He understands the value of playing for his home state and wants to be a part of special in the Maroon and Gold. Treyton will make an immediate impact on and off the court."

Pohto, also a 6-foot, 11-inch center, is also rated a four-star recruit by ESPN and the No. 23 center in the country. Pohto shot 53% on three-pointers last season and helped lead his team to a 22-3 record. The Stockholm, Sweden native plays for Sunrise Christian Academy in Kansas.

On the international level, Pohto also represented Sweden at the 2018 FIBA U16 European Championship, averaging 13.1 points and 11.6 rebounds per game.

"Kenny Pohto has a terrific skill set offensively," Pitino said. "He can step outside and hit the three as well as score on the low block. He fits perfectly into our system as well as in our locker room. He loves the game and lives in the gym. We know he will be a great addition to our basketball program."

The Gophers said they’ve now signed at least one four-star recruit in each of the past seven years.