Caleb Williams makes the jump to Division I with Gophers Ben Johnson

MINNEAPOLIS – About a year ago, Caleb Williams led the Gophers men’s basketball team with 41 points as a guard with Macalester.

Williams entered the transfer window after last season and will spend his final year of college basketball moving from Division III to Division I and play in the Big Ten for Minnesota and Ben Johnson. FOX 9 caught up with Williams at the team’s media day before the exhibition game.

What are the emotions like heading into the first game?

I think mostly just emotion. We’ve been playing against each other for about four months now, so it’s a good opportunity to come out and show what we’ve been working on. It shows that we are here for a reason and that the pieces work together.

What was the process of jumping from Macalester to Minnesota?

Definitely a big learning curve, but I’m not the same player I was when I walked on campus this summer. We all know this level is bigger, faster, stronger. The yard seems smaller, but people move faster. I think we’re definitely making strides to be in a place where I can be competitive and help the team.

The last time you played at Williams Arena you had 41 points. how was that

It was probably almost exactly a year ago. I feel very comfortable here for whatever reason. That evening was obviously a great night. Walking off the floor, I didn’t know this would be an opportunity, but now I’m here. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to continue playing here.

What is the next step for this team and what impact can you make?

Part of that is demanding excellence every day. We have a very high standard here. This is a year where we have to make the (NCAA) tournament and everybody has that sense of urgency. We are really looking to take the next steps.

What was the process like being in the portal and choosing Minnesota?

It’s been a great balance of staying close to home, trying to contribute to a program that I think can be competitive. Even taking the next step. The roles will change when you jump levels like that, the main reason I was able to come here is because I accepted that I’m going to do whatever it takes and do whatever I can to get us to that goal.

For fans who haven’t seen you play, what do you bring?

I kind of changed my game and got better. Just being able to bring energy, being a good defender, being able to make shots. We also find ways to put our elite guys in scoring positions. Try to be a floor general.

The Gophers open the 2024-25 season Wednesday night against Oral Roberts at Williams Arena.