Excitement is building in Minneapolis as the University of Minnesota men’s basketball program enters a new era under head coach Niko Medved. With the addition of sharpshooter Cade Tyson from North Carolina via the transfer portal, the Gophers have made a major statement heading into the 2025–26 season.
Tyson, a key portal pickup, marks the 12th player now confirmed on Minnesota’s roster. His arrival signals a promising start for Medved’s inaugural campaign. The move, finalized Sunday as June began, has drawn praise from analysts who view Tyson’s perimeter scoring as a potential game-changer.
Gophers Land Sharpshooter Cade Tyson as Niko Medved Reshapes Roster
Minnesota has secured a key piece for its 2025–26 men’s basketball roster with the addition of North Carolina transfer Cade Tyson, a move that comes as newly hired head coach Niko Medved begins reshaping the program.
His move to Minnesota mirrors that of former UNC player Dawson Garcia, who transferred after the 2021–22 season.
Analyst Terrence Oglesby praised the pairing, tweeting, “I really like the player/coach fit. Niko Medved has done wonders with big wings and Tyson brings shotmaking. Ignore last year. Cade needs to be set up for shots – Medved will help with that.”
I really like the player/coach fit.
Niko Medved has done wonders with big wings and Tyson brings shotmaking. Ignore last year.
Cade needs to be set up for shots – Medved will help with that. https://t.co/tORlmA4wuR
— Terrence Oglesby (@T_Oglesby22) June 1, 2025
The 6’7″ forward becomes the 12th scholarship player on the roster, injecting much-needed shooting and experience into a group seeking its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2019.
Tyson struggled to find a role this past season with the Tar Heels, averaging 2.6 points and 1.1 rebounds over 32 games. He logged fewer than eight minutes per contest, shooting 40.3% from the floor and 29.2% from beyond the arc.
His best outing came in December, scoring 23 points in a win over La Salle.
Despite the limited production, Tyson had shown significant scoring prowess at Belmont. Over two seasons at Belmont, Tyson averaged 15.0 points, started 59 of 61 games, shot 49.2% overall and over 42% from three, earning MVC honors both years.
Tyson entered the portal after sliding down the depth chart at North Carolina. Following Drake Powell’s NBA Draft decision and the addition of international wing Luka Bogavac, Tyson’s opportunity for minutes evaporated.
KEEP READING: 2025 Men’s College Basketball Transfer Portal Tracker
With summer workouts approaching, Minnesota fans are eager to see whether Tyson can recapture his Belmont form and help the Gophers contend in a deep Big Ten.
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