Baltimore Sun: The only time Daquein McNeil has ever set foot in the state of Minnesota was for an AAU tournament in suburban Minneapolis one year ago. Outside of a trip to the Mall of America, the 6-foot-3, 190-pound combo guard says he doesn’t remember much about visiting the North Star State.

But despite his lack of familiarity with Minnesota, McNeil is “really excited” to spend the next four years of his life there. The East Baltimore native and Vermont Academy senior committed to the Golden Gophers on Wednesday, becoming the first commitment of the Richard Pitino era.

“It feels really good,” McNeil said. “I was just very grateful [to be offered by Minnesota]. In college basketball this year, [the Big Ten] was the best conference. I know how much work it takes. As soon as I figure out coming [to campus] this summer, we’re going to go to work.”

Dating back to his freshman year at Carver, McNeil had been pegged by most local basketball observers as a future high-major player. Playing for Vermont Academy in Saxtons River, Vt., and suiting up for Nike Baltimore Elite during the summer, did nothing to change those perceptions.

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