Niko Medved Relishes 'Pretty Cool' Debut as Gophers Coach
In an emotional victory, University of Minnesota men's basketball coach Niko Medved reflected on his first win at the helm, calling it "a full-circle moment" that brought back memories of playing and watching games with his family. The 87-60 blowout over Gardner-Webb on Monday marked a triumphant start to Medved's tenure as Gophers coach.
After pausing to collect himself before taking charge, Medved quickly refocused on the task at hand, saying "the ball is tipped" and he was ready to get back on defense. The team responded well to his leadership, racing to a 23-1 lead in the early going, with North Carolina transfer wing Cade Tyson scoring a career-high 30 points.
Medved praised his players for their approach, citing a Day 1 emphasis of high assists-to-field goals ratio as key to their success. The team's 25 assists on 30 makes was "terrific," according to Medved.
The win marked a milestone in Medved's coaching career, which includes stops at Furman, Drake, and Colorado State. He reflected on the significance of winning his first game at Minnesota, saying it felt good but also a moment that would sink in later.
Medved's family was in attendance, providing an emotional connection to the win. His father had taken him to games as a kid, and seeing his loved ones cheering him on from the stands brought back cherished memories.
The Gophers' next challenge will be a tough road test at Missouri, which is 28th in the national rankings. Medved's career record now stands at 223-172 across four schools. To commemorate his first win at Minnesota, Athletics Director Mark Coyle awarded him a game ball and praised the team for giving him a victory he would never forget.
Medved's emotional response to the win underscored the significance of this milestone in his coaching career. As he looks ahead to future challenges, he remains committed to his team, saying "no turning back now" – here we go.
In an emotional victory, University of Minnesota men's basketball coach Niko Medved reflected on his first win at the helm, calling it "a full-circle moment" that brought back memories of playing and watching games with his family. The 87-60 blowout over Gardner-Webb on Monday marked a triumphant start to Medved's tenure as Gophers coach.
After pausing to collect himself before taking charge, Medved quickly refocused on the task at hand, saying "the ball is tipped" and he was ready to get back on defense. The team responded well to his leadership, racing to a 23-1 lead in the early going, with North Carolina transfer wing Cade Tyson scoring a career-high 30 points.
Medved praised his players for their approach, citing a Day 1 emphasis of high assists-to-field goals ratio as key to their success. The team's 25 assists on 30 makes was "terrific," according to Medved.
The win marked a milestone in Medved's coaching career, which includes stops at Furman, Drake, and Colorado State. He reflected on the significance of winning his first game at Minnesota, saying it felt good but also a moment that would sink in later.
Medved's family was in attendance, providing an emotional connection to the win. His father had taken him to games as a kid, and seeing his loved ones cheering him on from the stands brought back cherished memories.
The Gophers' next challenge will be a tough road test at Missouri, which is 28th in the national rankings. Medved's career record now stands at 223-172 across four schools. To commemorate his first win at Minnesota, Athletics Director Mark Coyle awarded him a game ball and praised the team for giving him a victory he would never forget.
Medved's emotional response to the win underscored the significance of this milestone in his coaching career. As he looks ahead to future challenges, he remains committed to his team, saying "no turning back now" – here we go.
i mean, 87-60 blowout win over gardner-webb? that's a pretty cool debut if you ask me 
he got the team hyped and they responded so well to his leadership. and yay for day 1 emphasis on high assists-to-field goals ratio - that's like, coachin' 101 
i'm lovin the way niko is staying focused and positive, even in the face of a tough road test ahead at missouri. can't wait to see what the rest of the season brings for the gophers! 
I'm so glad Niko Medved is doing well as the new Gophers coach! 
His family was in attendance which made it even more special I can imagine how emotional he must've felt seeing his dad take him to games when he was a kid 
. The way he praised his players for their high assists-to-field goals ratio is so cool 
and 25 assists on 30 makes is insane! 
The team's win against Gardner-Webb was pretty convincing too, especially with Cade Tyson scoring that career-high 30 points 
. Now they have to face a tough road test at Missouri... wish them luck 
seeing his dad in the stands made me tear up - those are the moments that make coaching so special. Go Gophers!!! 