Braeden Carrington returns to Gophers men's basketball team

Guard will still miss Friday's game against Maine.

Braeden Carrington is returning the Gophers men’s basketball program.

Carrington is back from his leave of absence from the program to deal with mental health but will not play in Friday’s home game against Maine, Gophers coach Ben Johnson said on Wednesday, according to the Star Tribune’s Marcus Fuller and the Pioneer Press’ Andy Greder.

Carrington started the first 10 games of the season before missing the last two while taking time off for his mental health. He averages 5.8 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game for the U this season and is an exceptional perimeter defender.

According to the Star Tribune, Carrington said the reason for his mental health absence was partially because his “heart isn’t all there for basketball” and he “didn’t want to hurt the team.”

But Johnson said Carrington was in a "good place" now.

News of Carrington's return comes just a day after his mother, Holly, took to social media to quell a rumor that was circulating on social media that he intended to enter the transfer portal.

Carrington posted a game photo of himself on Tuesday with an hour glass emoji, perhaps indicating that his return was near. Johnson said Carrington has been around the facility but will need to build up his conditioning. He wants Carrington to have a week of practice under his belt before returning, which is why he won’t play on Friday. 

…⏳💆🏽‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/iumPjyNB62

— braeden carrington (@braedencarri4) December 26, 2023