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Joe Nelson

Joe Nelson

Joined: Nov 15, 2023

Joe Nelson has more than 20 years of experience in Minnesota sports journalism. Nelson began his career in sports radio, working at smaller stations in Marshall and St. Cloud before moving to the highly-rated KFAN-FM 100.3 in the Twin Cities. While there, he produced the popular mid-morning show hosted by Minnesota Vikings play-by-play announcer Paul Allen. His time in radio laid the groundwork for his transition to sports writing in 2011. He covers the Vikings, Timberwolves, Gophers and Twins for On SI.

Dec 30, 2024; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Western Michigan Broncos guard Chansey Willis Jr. (2) gets trapped by Michigan State Spartans guard Jaden Akins (3) during the first half at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-Imagn Images
Gophers Basketball

Gophers have 'strong interest' in combo guard Chansey Willis Jr.

Another name for the Minnesota Gophers fans to monitor in the transfer portal is Western Michigan guard Chancey Willis Jr. According to Jeff Goodman, Minnesota is among a handful of teams in the mix for the 6-foot-2 guard.

Joe Nelson
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Wes Enis
Gophers Basketball

D2 All-American Wes Enis narrows college options to 6: Gophers included

Enis is one of the best scoring guards in the portal. He averaged more than 20 points per game while shooting 41% from three this season.

Joe Nelson
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Mar 13, 2025; New York, NY, USA; St. John's Red Storm guard RJ Luis Jr. (12) drives to the basket against Butler Bulldogs forward Boden Kapke (33) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Gophers Basketball

Minnesota native Boden Kapke hits the portal: Will Gophers come calling?

Kapke will be a junior with two years of eligibility remaining. He committed to Butler over offers from Minnesota, Clemson, Xavier and others.

Joe Nelson
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Mar 30, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Tre Holloman (5) yells to teammates during the first half in the South Regional final of the 2025 NCAA tournament against the Auburn Tigers at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Gophers Basketball

Report: Gophers only showing 'casual interest' in Tre Holloman

Holloman is reportedly set to visit four national powers as he looks for a new home in the portal.

Joe Nelson
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Feb 18, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Northwestern Wildcats assistant coach Armon Gates claps in the second half against the Minnesota Gophers at Williams Arena. The Northwestern Wildcats beat the Minnesota Gophers 72-66. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
Gophers Basketball

The next head coach in Niko Medved's coaching tree is on his staff at Minnesota

Armon Gates may be on the fast track to getting a head coaching job.

Joe Nelson
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Aug 12, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oakland Raiders offensive line coach Mike Tice against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Gophers Football

Ex-Vikings coach Mike Tice on Aireontae Ersery: 'This isn't my flavor'

Tice, the former Vikings head coach and longtime NFL offensive line coach, is very critical of Ersery's game.

Joe Nelson
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Nov 28, 2024; Paradise Island, Bahamas, BHS; Davidson Wildcats forward Bobby Durkin (2) drives to the basket as Providence Friars guard Corey Floyd Jr. (14) defends during the second half at the Imperial Arena at the Atlantis Resort. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Gophers Basketball

Is Minnesota about to land a commitment from Davidson transfer Bobby Durkin?

Bobby Durkin is quickly becoming a name for Gophers fans to monitor in the transfer portal.

Joe Nelson
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Dec 14, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; St. Thomas - Minnesota head coach John Tauer reacts during the second half of their game at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman-Imagn Images
Gophers Basketball

St. Thomas coach John Tauer eyes future rivalry with Minnesota Gophers

How long before the Minnesota Gophers and St. Thomas Tommies are battling annually in an in-state college basketball rivalry game? It hasn't happened yet, but St. Thomas head coach John Tauer is on board with the idea.

Joe Nelson
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Minnesota celebrates the WBIT Tournament title on Tuesday, April 2, 2025.
Gophers Basketball

Gophers topple Belmont in WBIT Tournament championship game

The Minnesota Gophers ended the season by running through the WBIT and winning the championship with a 75-63 victory over Belmont Tuesday evening at historic Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indiana.

Joe Nelson
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Feb 2, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers head coach Dawn Plitzuweit during the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images
Gophers Basketball

Gophers take down Florida to reach WBIT championship game

Minnesota will play Belmont for the tournament title on Wednesday.

Joe Nelson
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Wisconsin guard Daniel Freitag (5) shoots over Detroit Mercy guard Nate Johnson (10) during the second half of their game Sunday, December 22, 2024 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin beat Detroit Mercy 76-53.
Gophers Basketball

Daniel Freitag enters the portal: Will he consider hometown Gophers?

Freitag was a four-star recruit coming out of high school in the Twin Cities. The Gophers were among his finalists before committing to Wisconsin.

Joe Nelson
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Wayzata guard Christian Wiggins celebrates the Class 4A state championship.
Gophers Basketball

4-star Wayzata guard Christian Wiggins gets offer from Minnesota

Wiggins is the No. 1 player in Minnesota's graduating class of 2026. The 6-foot-4 guard is a consensus top-100 player nationally.

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