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2mo ago

Gophers Rule Out Jaylen Crocker-Johnson Indefinitely, Then Rout Rutgers

Coach Niko Medved signals a cautious approach, planning for a six-man rotation without his top rebounder.

Minnesota forward Jaylen Crocker-Johnson, left, shoots over Michigan State forward Jaxon Kohler during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Matt Krohn)

Overview

  • Medved said the team is preparing as if Crocker-Johnson will not return this season after a lingering foot injury.
  • The junior forward missed the past two games and saw his pain worsen after Minnesota’s Feb. 4 upset of then-No. 10 Michigan State.
  • Minnesota is operating with essentially six players after season-ending injuries to starters Robert Vaihola and Chansey Willis and season-long absences for B.J. Omot and Chance Stephens.
  • Crocker-Johnson is the Gophers’ second-leading scorer and top rebounder, averaging 13.4 points and 6.8 rebounds.
  • One day after the update, Minnesota beat Rutgers 80-61 behind 60% shooting and 15 made threes, improving to 13-14 overall and 6-10 in Big Ten play.