Sue Jackson and Kevin Smith, two unforgettable Gopher athletes, passed away this summer. We reflect on their legacy in maroon and gold.
Another View
Posted inAnother View
Players, coaches show their stuff at NBA Summer League
NBA Summer League gave Minnesota natives Jamison Battle, Dawson Garcia, and Curtis Jones the chance to prove they belong in the league. Coaches used the event to level up, too.
Posted inAnother View
NBA Summer League keeps us busy in Vegas
Minnesota Timberwolves guards Terrance Shannon Jr. and Rob Dillingham are showing poise and potential in their second NBA Summer League. With strong performances and coach praise, they’re part of a broader Minnesota basketball presence in Vegas.
Posted inAnother View
Black women losing ground as WNBA head coaches
Seattle’s Noelle Quinn is the only Black woman head coach in the WNBA this season. Just two years ago, there were six Black head coaches in the league.
Posted inAnother View
Hall of Fame inductees: ‘Greatness is never a solo performance’
The Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (WBHOF) Class of 2025 didn’t disappoint the packed Tennessee Theatre of family, coaches, teammates, media and others on Father’s Day eve, a Saturday night.
Posted inAnother View
College athletes get paid, but many questions linger
With a $2.8B settlement in House v. NCAA, schools can now pay student-athletes directly. Critics say the move raises new concerns about gender and racial equity in college athletics.
Posted inAnother View
Anti-DEI push has ‘struck fear’ among college officials
At the 2025 Black Student Athlete Summit, Dr. AJ Keaton spoke on NIL and identity — warning that anti-DEI backlash is shrinking school support for Black athletes.
Posted inAnother View
 BSA Summit focuses on needs of Black student athletes
The Black Student Athlete Summit marked its 10th year, bringing together Black student athletes, educators, and leaders to focus on life and success beyond sports.
Posted inAnother View
Sky fans assess new all-Black coaching staff
Chicago Sky fans shared mixed feelings about the team’s all-Black coaching staff, rising ticket prices, and early struggles in the 2025 WNBA season.
Posted inTwins/MLB
Twins’ Buxton leads by example
Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton is the second fastest player on the basepaths in Major League Baseball. According to Statcast, Buxton is averaging 30.2 feet per second, his highest speed since 2019.
Posted inAnother View
‘Bigger than her size’ Diamond gets fair shot with Lynx
Many of us wanted Diamond Johnson to be drafted by a WNBA team in last month’s draft. Â
Posted inAnother View
For Oral Roberts U coach, faith is the only way
Cophie Anderson, a former Fresno State basketball player, has been promoted to head coach of the Oral Roberts University women’s basketball team, becoming the fourth Black female head coach in the Summit League.
Posted inAnother View
Gopher track athletes nominated for Jackie Robinson award
Two University of Minnesota student-athletes of color, Zariyah Black and Jordan Dunigan, are nominees for the Jackie Robinson Community & Impact Award, which recognizes student-athletes who strive to make a positive impact in their community and their sport.
Posted inAnother View
Bringing more Black fans to women’s hoops
The University of Minnesota women’s basketball team has a diverse roster of six Black players, including Amaya Battle, Tori McKinney, Taylor Woodson, Kennedy Klick, Eden Prairie redshirt sophomore Niamya Holloway, and graduate student Alexsia Rose, and is looking to increase Black attendance at games.
Posted inAnother View
Gophers and fans celebrate WBIT Women’s Championship win
The Minnesota Gophers defeated Belmont 75-63 in the WBIT Women’s Championship, with Tori McKinney being named Tournament MVP after scoring a career-high 26 points.
Posted inAnother View
HBCU Coach Vickers earned his move up to Power 4 Auburn
Larry Vickers, a former coach at HBCU Norfolk State, was hired as the new women’s basketball coach at Auburn University, making him the only HBCU coach to successfully leave to a Power 4 school.
Posted inAnother View
Any chance for another Black head coach in Gopherland?
The University of Minnesota Gophers’ next men’s basketball coach will likely not be Black, as the self-appointed search committee has only suggested white candidates, despite the fact that there are 16 current Black head coaches and 20 Black assistant coaches on the Advancement of Blacks in Sports watchlist.
Posted inAnother View
Do complex NCAA selection criteria disadvantage HBCUs?
The NCAA’s NET ratings have made it difficult for HBCUs to advance past the first round of the NCAA tournament, but coaches such as Kevin Blakeney and Tim Eatman are pushing for more teams to be selected.
Posted inAnother View
Second Stillman-hosted all-Black tournament gets rave reviews
The 2025 Hope Credit Union HBCUAC Basketball Championships were a successful event, bringing recognition to Stillman College and providing a high-quality experience for all involved, including the Visit Tuscaloosa team and the UVI men’s and women’s basketball teams.
Posted inAnother View
What’s drawn Black Minnesota athletes to Alabama?
Three native Black Minnesotans participated in the 2025 HBCUAC Hope Credit Union Basketball Championships at Stillman College, sharing their stories of how they ended up at their respective HBCUs.