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Minnesota lands Milwaukee transfer Akeem Springs

Ethan Happ, Bronson Koenig, Akeem Springs

Wisconsin’s Ethan Happ (22) and Bronson Koenig, right, trap Milwaukee’s Akeem Springs (2) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)

AP

Minnesota landed an impact graduate transfer on Friday as Milwaukee guard Akeem Springs committed to the Golden Gophers, a source told NBCSports.com.

The 6-foot-4 Springs averaged 13.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game last season for the Panthers, who opted to fire head coach Rob Jeter this offseason. Milwaukee’s very messy offseason helped contribute to Springs looking for a new home during his final season of eligibility. Springs shot 49 percent from the field as a junior.

Springs will have a chance to compete for a starting spot at Minnesota next season as he’s a proven scorer who has averaged double figures the last two seasons. The Golden Gophers are returning point guard Nate Mason and also get a quality in-state recruit in four-star wing Amir Coffey to help bolster their perimeter attack.

With Illinois State big man Reggie Lynch and Texas A&M wing Davonte Fitzgerald also eligible after sitting out a season after transferring, Minnesota is hoping for a much better season after finishing 8-23 and 2-16 in the Big Ten last season.