The Minnesota Gophers men's basketball program is making serious moves this offseason, and their latest addition could be a game-changer. On Sunday, the team secured a commitment from Villanova transfer guard Malachi Palmer, a source confirmed to the Pioneer Press. Standing at 6-foot-6 and hailing from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Palmer brings two years of eligibility to the U—a valuable asset as the Gophers continue to reshape their roster.
Palmer's sophomore season at Villanova showed flashes of real promise. Averaging 4.6 points and 1.7 rebounds in 18 minutes per game, he really stepped up when it mattered most. In March, during Villanova's first-round NCAA tournament clash with Utah State, Palmer dropped 11 points, proving he can perform under pressure. His standout performance of the season came on February 4, when he poured in 15 points in a win over Seton Hall—a game that showcased his scoring ability and toughness.
Former Villanova coach Kevin Willard had high praise for Palmer, calling him "a tough, physical guard that plays on both sides of the ball." Willard highlighted Palmer's elite on-ball defense and natural scoring instincts, noting that "his athleticism and size make him a perfect fit for the Big East." He also described Palmer as a "gym rat who keeps getting better, a tough shot-maker who knows how to put the ball in the basket." That kind of work ethic and versatility could translate well to the Gophers' system.
Palmer's journey to Minnesota hasn't been a straight line. As a true freshman at Maryland, he saw limited action, logging just 185 minutes across 22 games. But even then, his potential was clear: the three-star recruit from Mt. Zion Prep in Baltimore chose the Terrapins over offers from Seton Hall, West Virginia, Oklahoma State, and Florida State. Now, after a productive stint at Villanova, he's ready for a fresh start in the Big Ten.
Palmer fills one of the two remaining spots on the Gophers' roster for next season, bringing the total number of transfer additions to five. This flurry of activity signals that Minnesota is building for immediate impact, and Palmer's experience in high-stakes games could be exactly what the team needs to make a push in the conference.