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Gophers extend scholarship offer to Maple Grove basketball standout

Baboucarr Ann is on a path to be a four-year starter at Maple Grove High School.
Joe Nelson|
Nov 27, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Gophers mascot Goldy Gopher waves the raise the barn flag before the game against the Omaha Mavericks at Williams Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
Nov 27, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Gophers mascot Goldy Gopher waves the raise the barn flag before the game against the Omaha Mavericks at Williams Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images | Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

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Minnesota Golden Gophers

A name to remember over the next three years is Baboucarr Ann.

On Monday, Ann confirmed that he's received a scholarship offer from the University of Minnesota men's basketball team. It's a major offer for one of the fastest rising high school sophomores in the state as Ann is on a path to be a four-year starter by the time he graduates from Maple Grove High School in 2027.

Ryan James, a Gopher Illustrated recruiting analyst who covers the Minnesota high school basketball scene, had this to say about Ann back in August: "A starter for Maple Grove last year averaging just over six points a game, Ann was a clutch shot maker and one of the smarter young players you will see.  High ceiling, high character player."

Here's what James wrote about Ann after learning of the Gophers offering him on Monday: "Ann is a wing version of Isaac Asuma in terms of work ethic, mind set, and character. One of Minnesota's best players not just in class, but overall."

Last March, as a freshman in high school, Ann hit the game-winning shot at the buzzer to lift Maple Grove over rival Osseo in the section semifinals.

Ann scored 16 points in the season opener between Maple Grove and Edina last Friday. He and the Crimson are back on the court Tuesday against Wayzata.

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Joe Nelson
JOE NELSON

Joe Nelson has more than 20 years of experience in Minnesota sports journalism. Nelson began his career in sports radio, working at smaller stations in Marshall and St. Cloud before moving to the highly-rated KFAN-FM 100.3 in the Twin Cities. While there, he produced the popular mid-morning show hosted by Minnesota Vikings play-by-play announcer Paul Allen. His time in radio laid the groundwork for his transition to sports writing in 2011. He covers the Vikings, Timberwolves, Gophers and Twins for On SI.

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