Ben Johnson and the Minnesota Gophers men’s basketball team encountered a demanding offseason marked by the departure of crucial players. Nevertheless, Johnson is proactively addressing these vacancies by recruiting talent from the transfer portal. Recently, another addition from the portal has been confirmed.

Lu’Cye Patterson, a point guard transferring from Charlotte, has solidified his decision to join the team in Dinkytown. His commitment was announced on Friday. Followers of high school basketball might recognize Patterson’s name from his tenure at Minnesota Prep Academy and Brooklyn Center High School.

Patterson embarked on his collegiate basketball journey by committing to Missouri State after high school. He competed in 57 games during his tenure there. However, in pursuit of fresh prospects, he opted to transfer to Charlotte, where he has spent the last two seasons honing his skills and furthering his development.

The Minnesota Gophers are acquiring a skilled and experienced point guard in Lu’Cye Patterson. With his background at Missouri State and Charlotte, Patterson brings a wealth of collegiate basketball experience to the team. Known for his agility, court vision, and scoring ability, he’s expected to bolster the Gophers’ backcourt. Additionally, Patterson’s familiarity with high-level competition and his dedication to improvement suggest he’ll be a valuable asset to the team both on and off the court.

During his time at Missouri State, he didn’t see much playing time in his first year. However, things changed during his second year when he started in 26 games, averaging 7.4 points per game and playing for 26.3 minutes each game. After this successful season, he decided to transfer to Charlotte.

In his first season at Charlotte, he quickly established himself in the starting lineup for 25 games. He averaged 10.2 points per game and played for 28.3 minutes, showing his talent from the start. Looking at his most recent season, it’s clear that he has grown significantly.

Playing in all 31 games as a starter, he increased his scoring average to 14.6 points per game while maintaining an impressive 32 minutes per game. Not just a scorer, he also demonstrated his playmaking skills, contributing an average of 2.2 assists per game throughout his college career.

His presence in the backcourt is substantial, as he steps up to replace Elijah Hawkins – a formidable task indeed. However, being back in his hometown brings him comfort, and the possibilities are endless. This addition further strengthens Ben Johnson and his coaching staff.