Transfer center, Malick Kordel is coming to Minnesota

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 04: Malick Kordel #32 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates with fans after defeating the Arizona Wildcats in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Tyler Schank/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) | NCAA Photos via Getty Images

Another young bench player from Michigan is transferring to Minnesota. Malick Kordel is a 7’2” center, originally from Germany and he is coming to the Gophers with three years to play.

7’2 Michigan transfer Malick Kordel has committed to Minnesota pic.twitter.com/JmB34ZdzSZ

— Ryan James (@RyanJamesMN) April 17, 2026

MALICK KORDEL
Pos: C
Ht: 7’2”
Wt: 275

Kordel has only been playing organized basketball for four years, so he is raw. But he has good athleticism for his size and, of course, he has great size. Minnesota really needs two big men in this transfer class and Kordel fits the role of being a rotational big man. I would expect Kordel to be very good at setting screens in pick-and-roll action and he is a very good rebounder. The scoring may eventually come.

It is also worth noting that Kordel is a 22-year-old freshman. He is certainly learning how to be a Big Ten center, but he defintely has a more mature body, which is helpful.

This past year at Michigan, he really only played in games when the outcome was not in any doubt. But he was also buried behind an NBA-caliber frontcourt on a national championship team.

What is next?​

I would expect that Kordel is going to be the first center off the bench and will see his minutes take a significant jump from last season to the next. This allows Chadrack Mpoyi the opportunity to redshirt and develop.

As stated, Minnesota needs another big man. Ideally, they need a starting caliber center. Kordel is a great piece to add to the roster and he is another young player who will have time to develop in the system. In addition to a starting center, they desperately need another starting-caliber guard. Hopefully, these additions are coming soon.

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