Louisville junior center Matz Stockman is transferring to the University of Minnesota, Louisville announced Tuesday.
The 7-footer will have one year of eligibility remaining after sitting out the 2017-18 season, per NCAA transfer rules.
Stockman is a native of Oslo, Norway, and a product of Spain’s Canaris Academy — the same place that produced current Gophers forward Gaston Diedhiou.
Louisville is, of course, coached by Rick Pitino, the father of Gophers coach Richard Pitino.
“Matz has been a great team member with our basketball team and we appreciate his efforts,” Rick Pitino said in a statement. “Transferring to Minnesota is a great move for him, as he’ll have an opportunity to make an immediate impact when he becomes eligible to play.”
Stockman played 18 games for the Cardinals last season, averaging 1.7 points and 1.2 rebounds in 4.1 minutes of action. However, he averaged eight points and 3.3 rebounds when he received more extensive playing time during a three-game stretch in December.
In a statement, Stockman said he’s “had a great time” at Louisville, adding he was grateful for his time with the Cardinals.
“I’ve improved a lot since I first arrived on campus and I will be forever grateful to Coach (Rick) Pitino, the coaching staff and for everyone involved around our team,” Stockman said. “However, I’ve been looking for an opportunity to play quality minutes for a long time now and I think this will be a great situation for me.”
