Minnesota has 13 new additions on its 2024-25 men’s basketball team.
Jaylen Crocker-Johnson played for Niko Medved at Colorado State last season. “I set the tone early for the guys on the glass,” said the 6’8” junior forward from San Antonio, Texas. “I’m just trying to be a good two-way player on defense and offense.”
He offered a brief explanation of his tattoos: “Most of my tattoos was not really meaningful, but as time went on, they got more meaningful,” admitted Crocker-Johnson. “I got my grandma here,” pointing to his arm. “She passed away. My mom is right here. Me and my brother [Tony Crocker] because he played at Oklahoma, and he wore No. 5. I got a few Bible scriptures.”
Chansey Willis Jr. played at Western Michigan last season, where he led the Mid-American Conference in scoring (16.8 ppg). The 6’2” senior from Detroit also sports a tattoo or two.
One is for his late sister, who was killed at age 19. “It has been five years since she’s been gone,” said Willis. “I got her tattooed on my shoulder, so she’s with me every day.”
His other tattoos represent his hometown. “A lot of people don’t know about us Detroiters — we stick together,” he said proudly.
Nehemiah Turner is with Minnesota after a season at Central Arkansas, his freshman season. The 6-10 sophomore from Auburndale, Fla. is expected to help strengthen the Gophers’ frontcourt.
“I want to bring energy,” surmised Turner, who is pursuing a degree in sociology, criminology, and justice. “I want to be a detective or (work for the) FBI once I’m done playing basketball.”
Charles Hallman welcomes reader comments to challman@spokesman-recorder.com.