New Hampshire graduate transfer Sean Sutherlin became the fourth commitment for new Gophers men's basketball coach Ben Johnson on Sunday.
The 6-foot-5, 200-pound former Irondale standout averaged 12.8 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 2019-20, but he sat out last season after having hip surgery.
"When Minnesota reached out I was really excited," Sutherlin told the Star Tribune. "This is definitely a dream come true. It's something I've been thinking about for a long time. When coach offered I really had no other choice but to accept."
Sutherlin, who was also hearing from Missouri recently, first announced he was transferring in February. But his recruitment didn't pick up until recently.
Johnson talked to Sutherlin for the first time on the phone Thursday. After the Gophers received his transcripts, he learned they were interested in bringing him home after receiving a scholarship offer Sunday.
"I'm definitely really excited to come back home," Sutherlin said. "I love everything about Minnesota."
Following his senior year at Irondale in 2017, he played two seasons at Sheridan College in Wyoming, which included averaging 10.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists as a sophomore.
In his first season at New Hampshire, Sutherlin was a rebounding machine by leading the American East Conference with 12 double-doubles and ranking second in rebounds per game. He scored 20 or more points four times, including 21 points and career-high 20 rebounds vs. Bryant.
