University of Minnesota Duluth head coach Justin Wieck has announced the signing of two student-athletes to become members of the Men's basketball team. Gavyn Lorenson (Lake City, MN), and Kobby Sambrew (Savage, MN) make up Coach Wieck's 2027 recruiting class for the Bulldogs.
"We couldn't be more excited with the talent of these two young men," said Wieck. "These guys were our top targets that we identified as we always look to recruit the best players in the State of Minnesota. This class fills two positions of need and guys that are ready to step in from Day 1. They are extremely talented players, exemplify the values & high character of our program, excel in the classroom and come from fantastic families."
Lorenson is a 6-foot-4 guard from Lake City, MN. Lorenson plays for Lake City High School under head coach Jason Bonde. He is listed as the No. 15 ranked prospect in the Minnesota 2027 class by Prep Hoops Minnesota. Gavyn averaged 29.1 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game as a junior, earning 1st team all-conference and All-State accolades. Lorenson played travel AAU basketball with the Wisconsin Playmakers basketball club. Gavyn is the son of Jason & Erin Lorenson.
"We're excited to add Gavyn to our basketball program," said Wieck. "We zeroed in on him with an early offer this spring. It was apparent right away that he was a high-level athlete & scoring guard, but his intangibles & character really set him apart. Our staff worked extremely hard in the recruiting process, and the work paid off. Gavyn's ability to score from all three levels and his highly intense competitive motor will make him an instant contributor to our program."
"I chose UMD because the culture of the program is unmatched," said Lorenson. "They know how to win and the whole team is bonded like brothers. The coaches really care about their players and that was a big factor for me. I'm excited to be a Bulldog!"
Sambrew is a 6-foot-6 forward from Savage, MN. Sambrew plays for Prior Lake High School under head coach Brian Jungwirth. He is listed as the No. 10 ranked prospect in the Minnesota 2027 class by Prep Hoops Minnesota. Kobby averaged 14.2 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game as a junior, earning 1st team all-conference and Conference Defensive Player of the Year honors. Sambrew played travel AAU basketball with the Minnesota Fury basketball club. Kobby is the son of Kwabena & Sammelia Sambrew. He plans to pursue a degree in Management Information Systems at UMD.
"Kobby was a huge commitment for the future of UMD Basketball," said Wieck. "Throughout the summer, it was apparent he was one of the best combo forwards in the Midwest. His combination of college ready size, athleticism, skill and defensive attributes will help him be a big-time contributor on Day 1 for our program. The sky is the limit for Kobby as he continues to develop."
"I chose UMD because they truly represent what a family is supposed to look like," said Sambrew. "They play for one another and have a "Forget Me, I Love You" mindset. I'm most excited about being surrounded by people who push me to grow, both on and off the court, and help me become the best possible version of myself."
Both signees will join the Bulldogs in the Fall of 2027. The Bulldogs are coming off another highly successful season, their 5th in a row with 20 or more wins, culminating with a NSIC North Championship, a NSIC Tournament Championship, and trip to the NCAA Central Region Championship game. The 2026-27 Bulldogs opened their season with a home win over Concordia St-Paul on Monday. The Bulldogs are in action next vs. Emporia State on Friday November 13th.
