Saint Paul, MN – The University of Minnesota Golden Gopher men’s basketball program has secured a significant addition to their 2025-26 roster with the signing of transfer guard Chance Stephens, as announced today by Head Coach Niko Medved. Stephens, a 6-foot-3 guard hailing from Riverside, California, joins the Gophers after spending the previous two seasons at the University of Maryland.

This acquisition addresses a key need for Minnesota, providing valuable depth in the guard position and injecting a proven perimeter shooting threat into the lineup. Coach Medved expressed his enthusiasm for the signing, stating, “We’re excited to add Chance to the roster. He is an experienced guard with a high basketball IQ and can really stretch the floor. Chance also has a high motor and we’re looking forward to having that energy on the team this year.”

Stephens arrives in Minneapolis with prior collegiate experience, having played his freshman season at Loyola Marymount University (LMU) in 2022-23. During his time with the Lions, Stephens showcased his offensive capabilities, appearing in 28 of 31 games and earning four starts. He contributed 167 points, averaging six points per contest, and established himself as a reliable three-point shooter. 

Stephens connected on 49 shots from beyond the arc, ranking third on the team, and boasted an impressive 37.4% shooting percentage from three-point range, placing him fourth among his teammates. His standout performance at the LMU Jamaica Classic, where he knocked down a career-high seven three-pointers en route to a season-high 23 points, earned him Tournament MVP honors and West Coast Conference (WCC) Freshman of the Week recognition.

Following his promising freshman campaign, Stephens transferred to Maryland. While he unfortunately missed the 2023-24 season due to injury, he saw action as a redshirt sophomore in the recently concluded 2024-25 season. His experience in a major conference like the Big Ten will undoubtedly bring a level of maturity and understanding to the Gopher backcourt.

Prior to his collegiate career, Stephens was a standout player at Riverside Poly High School. His consistent performance earned him three all-conference selections and All-CIF honors in his senior year, highlighting his foundational skills and competitive drive.

The addition of Chance Stephens offers the Gophers much-needed shooting prowess and experienced guard play. His track record at LMU demonstrates his ability to contribute offensively and stretch opposing defenses, a valuable asset for Coach Medved’s system. 

While his time at Maryland was hampered by injury, his recovery and return to the court signal his determination and resilience. Gopher fans will be eager to see Stephens’ impact on the court in the 2025-26 season as the team looks to build on their foundation and compete in the Big Ten Conference. 

This signing appears to be a strategic move by Coach Medved to enhance the team’s offensive firepower and overall depth.