The second high school commit to the 2025 class is a versatile wing
This is slightly old news, but on Halloween, Gopher basketball received their 2nd commit to the 2025 class. Jacob Ross, a wing out of California, committed to Ben Johnson and staff. Here is what we know about Ross.
NEWS: 2025 4⭐️ Jacob Ross (@Jacob_RossO5) has committed to Minnesota, he told @LeagueRDY.
Ross is an athletic two-way wing who is a high-level defender on and off-ball. Can guard multiple positions, is an active rebounder and is a strong finisher at the rim.
He chose the Golden… pic.twitter.com/IO6QQ0xhac
— 24/7 High School Hoops (@247HSHoops) October 31, 2024
Jacob Ross
Pos: SF
Ht: 6’5”
Wt: 170
Ross did not have an offer list that included other Power 5 programs, but the 18th ranked player in the state of California is coming to the Gophers with some versatility and a defensive mindset.
A native of Virginia, Ross played for Long Island Lutheran as a junior and has transferred to California to play for SoCal academy for his senior season. He was offered by the Gophers the same weekend that he visited (the Maryland game weekend) and he committed that same week. A quick recruitment, but he loved the staff and was quick to pull the trigger.
What Ross brings is a slasher mentality on offense with great defensive versatility. Watching his highlight videos, he is always moving, cutting to the rim, rebounding with quick ups and is a disruptor on defense.
He does not appear to be a kid who will come to Minnesota and become a prolific scorer, but he brings everything else. He has high-major athleticism and appears to have a high basketball IQ on the floor. The more I watched, the more I really like his game and what he can bring to the team. He will get this points. He is good at seeing the open cut lanes, will rebound very well for a wing and is capable of knocking down open shots.
Again, he only had offers from the likes off Old Dominion, VCU and Coastal Carolina; but Ross is a really nice get for the program.
It should also be noted that both of his parents were college athletes at Rutgers and his brother is a sophomore on the UConn basketball team.
What is next?
Two freshmen have been signed. Both are roughly the same size. Ross will be more of a slashing wing and Kai Shinholster is more of a combo-guard. So they will be able to play together and should make for an athletic lineup that can wreak havoc on the defensive end.
Presumably Isaac Asuma is your point guard of the future, but there are a lot of holes to be filled on this Gopher roster for next year. The transfer portal will be heavily utilized to bring in a shooter and a lot of help in the frontcourt.
Scholarhip counts are very fluid these days, but as things stand, Minnesota has six available scholarships to use for next year. Center, Parker Jefferson, is announcing his decision between Minnesota and USC next week.