2017 big Theo John has committed to Marquette. @Theojohn123 is from Champlin Park HS (MN) pic.twitter.com/RLxVqp6fNi
— Ryan James (@RyanJamesMN) September 13, 2016
One of the main hopes when the University of Minnesota hired Richard Pitino to coach the Gophers men’s basketball team was that he would help keep Minnesota’s top in-state recruits at home.
But once again that hasn’t happened.
Champlin Park teammates McKinley Wright and Theo John announced their college decision Tuesday afternoon. Neither chose to play for the Gophers.
John, a 6-foot-8 forward, committed to Marquette. Wright, a 6-foot point guard, committed to Dayton.
Both had been targeted by Pitino.
According to the Star Tribune, of the six in-state players Pitino offered scholarships to, none of them will be accepting offers to play for Minnesota.
- Nate Reuvers, Lakeville North – Wisconsin
- Brad Davison, Maple Grove – Wisconsin
- Jericho Sims, Cristo Rey Jesuit – Texas
- Gary Trent, Apple Valley – Minnesota is not a finalist
The Daily Gopher notes Wright’s decision wasn’t a surprise after Minnesota landed a commitment from 4-star guard Isaiah Washington over the weekend. But John’s decision is a major disappointment, because the Gophers had made him a priority recruit.
Theo John told #Gophers last night when he decided Marquette was place for him. It was a tough decision in the end pic.twitter.com/YvYX3PI6VH
— Marcus R. Fuller (@Marcus_R_Fuller) September 13, 2016
According to Gopher Illustrated, John is regarded as the No. 29 center prospect in the 2017 class.
