Reggie Lynch signed his national letter of intent to play at the University of Minnesota yesterday, effectively bringing the Illinois State transfer back to his home state.

I caught up with him briefly.

How tough of a decision was it to transfer, and why did you decide to come to Minnesota?

The decision was absolutely nerve-wracking and took me a month's worth of option-weighing, family conversation and prayer. But the ultimate deciding factors were where I would be happiest, being right next to home and the fulfillment of a dream that I am pursuing and have pursued, to be one of the U's great players. The family at ISU, the friends I made, the coaches and players were all people that were the main thing that made it hardest to leave, and I will always cherish the memories and fun we had.

You'll have to redshirt this year after putting up a strong season last year with the Redbirds. How is that going to be for you?

No one is ever too excited about sitting out a year from playing… but it will be a great opportunity to take advantage of school-wise and workout-wise.

You had the nation's best shot-blocking percentage among all Division I players last year. Did you surprise yourself with how efficient you were able to be defensively at the rim?

I've always been a great shot-blocker. I wasn't actually aware that I had the best percentage this year but it's always been something I bring to the table, and I hope I can do so here [at the University of Minnesota] as well.