Gophers men’s basketball adds top 100 recruit to 2027 class

The University of Minnesota men's basketball program has secured a significant addition to its 2027 recruiting class. Isaiah Santos, a four-star forward from Katy, Texas, announced his verbal commitment on Tuesday.

Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 210 pounds, Santos is currently ranked as a top 100 player in the nation. His decision follows a busy summer that included visits to Minnesota, Colorado, Butler, and Texas Tech. He held offers from several high-profile programs, including Illinois and Houston.

Last season at Seven Lakes High School, Santos established himself as a dominant presence, averaging 23 points and 11 rebounds per game. His performance earned him recognition as the all-Greater Houston boys basketball player of the year. He also contributed to a highly successful team season, helping Seven Lakes finish with a 35-1 record and a top-10 national ranking.

Beyond his high school success, Santos gained international experience representing Brazil in the Under-18 AmeriCup this past June. During that tournament, he averaged 14.3 points and 8.7 rebounds over six games, helping his team secure a third-place finish.

Minnesota head coach Niko Medved prioritized Santos in his recruiting efforts this year. As the program looks toward the 2027 cycle, Santos stands as their first confirmed pledge. The team is expected to be selective with additional high school recruits due to evolving NCAA roster rules.