It sounded for awhile like former Hopkins High standout Trent Lockett would be returning to his home state to play for the Minnesota Golden Gophers next season, but that apparently won't be the case. The former member of the Arizona St. Sun Devils decided to transfer to be closer to home, but it won't be for Tubby Smith's team.
Lockett's AAU coach Marquise Watts intimated in a story with the Pioneer Press that the Gophers were probably the top option, but that changed when Smith never reached out about adding the Golden Valley native.
"Some people might say they should have reached out because Trent became available, but I think it's great that Tubby showed his commitment to the guys he has," Watts told the Pioneer Press on Friday, April 20. "Trent's not offended by it. He has the utmost respect for Tubby. (Gophers assistant) coach Vince Taylor's son plays in our program. So it's just one of those things where you understand the situation. If they had a scholarship, would they be in there? No question."
It's understandable that Trevor Mbakwe's return would trump adding Lockett, of course, but odd that there wasn't any connection between the two considering Lockett's roots. Instead, it sounds like Lockett is deciding between the Iowa St. Cyclones, Marquette Golden Eagles and Gonzaga Bulldogs.
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