Boos rain down as former Gophers guard returns to Williams Arena

Gophers fans do not appreciate Braeden Carrington's decision to transfer to the rival Badgers.

Wisconsin guard Braeden Carrington (0) reacts after hitting a three-point basket during the first half of their game against UCLA Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin. | Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Former Gophers guard Braeden Carrington returned to Williams Arena for the first time since transferring away from the program following the 2023-24 season, and fans let him hear it.

Former Gophers guard Braeden Carrington is getting the Jimmy Butler treatment tonight — booed every single time he touches the ball.

First time back at Williams Arena since entering the transfer portal after the 2023-24 season. pic.twitter.com/74RC7KkI9Z

— Tony Liebert (@TonyLiebert) January 14, 2026

Carrington won the 2022 Minnesota Mr. Basketball award after a storied career at local Park Center High School. He opted to stay home and play for the Gophers over notable top offers from Florida, Missouri and Colorado, among others. He immediately became a fan favorite for the decision.

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He struggled to live up to the lofty expectations, averaging no more than 5.9 points per game in his two seasons with the Gophers. He opted to transfer following the 2023-24 campaign, and he ended up at Tulsa.

Carrington averaged a career-high 7.4 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game with the Golden Hurricane in 2024-25 on 35.1% shooting from the field. He hit the transfer portal again and joined the rival Wisconsin Badgers for his final season of college basketball.

He has been one of Wisconsin's top bench options this season, averaging 5.5 points per game entering Tuesday's matchup with the Gophers. Minnesota fans booed him every single time he touched the ball, and they let him hear it for every minute he was on the floor.