University of Minnesota Athletics
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/ Men's Basketball
Photo by: Brad Rempel
Get to Know Men's Basketball's Maximus Gizzi
8/12/2025 10:49:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Maximus Gizzi joined the Gopher men's basketball program as camp had started mid June, but quickly transitioned to the program. Awarded an extra year of eligibility, Gizzi is making the most of his opportunity landing a spot with his first Division I team. Gizzi, a 6-foot, 1-inch fifth-year guard, played at Huntington University and Marian University. With Huntington University last year, Gizzi was the Crossroads League's Defender of the Year, an All-Defensive Team honoree and an honorable mention. Before his time at Huntington, Gizzi was with Marian University from 2020 to 2024, where he was an All-Crossroads League Second Team selection, All-Crossroads Defensive Team selection, and a three-time NAIA Scholar-Athlete. With Marian, he was the team's starting point guard in all 31 games during the 2023-24 season, averaging 32.5 minutes and 10.1 points. Playing prep basketball at New Palestine High School, Gizzi set the school record for points in a single season when he had 608 in his final season and was a four-time All-Hoosier Heritage conference selection. Get to know Gizzi in this recent question/answer session.
Why Minnesota?
I'm in a unique situation with getting another year of eligibility. I had heard from a few schools and someone actually connected me with this coaching staff here. Once I was presented with the opportunity, I felt like I had to take it and be a part of what Coach Medved is building here and join this awesome group of guys and I get to experience this level.
When did you get started in basketball and did you play other sports?
I played basketball, football and baseball growing up. I got started in basketball the youngest as my parents both played in college and my dad played overseas. So even when I was a baby, I was across the water and being around basketball all my life.
Tell us about your previous stops and what you learned there from your coaches that translated here?
The biggest thing I've learned at all my stops is that you can always control your attitude and your effort. Control the controllables and let the rest fall into place. That's something I just try and come out here and do every day. Give all my effort and do everything I possibly can and let the rest take care of itself.
Speaking of that, talk about that role and the energy you bring to the court.
I'm an older guy. I haven't been at this level, but I've been in college basketball for a while and my No. 1 priority is help the team win. Whatever I need to do, however I can help the team win, that's what I do. I know it's the end of the summer and we're closing out camp, but I have to bring the energy. That's something I can control every day and if that's something I can do, I'm going to do it.
As a fifth year, tell us more about your academic path?
I already have an undergraduate in finance from Marian. I have a master's (MBA) and I'll be getting a medical industry certificate through Carlson School of Management here.
You joined the team as camp had already started. How were you able to connect with the team when you arrived?
It was a challenge for sure. My first two schools were very close to home so coming out here was an out of comfort zone move for me. I just kind of had to force myself to immerse in it all. I came here and all these guys had been here for a couple weeks and were kind of already connected. Luckily, a lot of the guys pulled me in and helped me get involved in what they were doing because they knew I was new. That made it a lot easier. Same thing with the coaches. I landed on a Sunday night and I met everyone quickly. Everyone has done a great job of getting acclimated.
What has this coaching staff been able to teach you in your time here?
I've learned so many things already from this staff, but my No. 1 thing is the attention to detail is something I have never seen. Both programs I previously played at had amazing attention to detail, but here, even the smallest little things, all those things matter down the road. We play in a very competitive conference and we have to find the little things that separate you. The attention to detail and doing all the little things right on a daily basis to create good habits.
What do you like to do outside of basketball?
I love to golf. I like to watch sports, I'm a big sports junky. I'm super close to my family so I just love spending time with family and friends. I'm a big social guy and like to be out.
Favorite Food: Steak
Favorite Basketball Drill: I love defense so maybe some classic shell drill even that's probably a hated answer.
If I wasn't playing basketball I'd be: I'd probably be working right now!
Favorite show watching growing up: SpongeBob Square Pants
Why Minnesota?
I'm in a unique situation with getting another year of eligibility. I had heard from a few schools and someone actually connected me with this coaching staff here. Once I was presented with the opportunity, I felt like I had to take it and be a part of what Coach Medved is building here and join this awesome group of guys and I get to experience this level.
When did you get started in basketball and did you play other sports?
I played basketball, football and baseball growing up. I got started in basketball the youngest as my parents both played in college and my dad played overseas. So even when I was a baby, I was across the water and being around basketball all my life.
Tell us about your previous stops and what you learned there from your coaches that translated here?
The biggest thing I've learned at all my stops is that you can always control your attitude and your effort. Control the controllables and let the rest fall into place. That's something I just try and come out here and do every day. Give all my effort and do everything I possibly can and let the rest take care of itself.
Speaking of that, talk about that role and the energy you bring to the court.
I'm an older guy. I haven't been at this level, but I've been in college basketball for a while and my No. 1 priority is help the team win. Whatever I need to do, however I can help the team win, that's what I do. I know it's the end of the summer and we're closing out camp, but I have to bring the energy. That's something I can control every day and if that's something I can do, I'm going to do it.
As a fifth year, tell us more about your academic path?
I already have an undergraduate in finance from Marian. I have a master's (MBA) and I'll be getting a medical industry certificate through Carlson School of Management here.
You joined the team as camp had already started. How were you able to connect with the team when you arrived?
It was a challenge for sure. My first two schools were very close to home so coming out here was an out of comfort zone move for me. I just kind of had to force myself to immerse in it all. I came here and all these guys had been here for a couple weeks and were kind of already connected. Luckily, a lot of the guys pulled me in and helped me get involved in what they were doing because they knew I was new. That made it a lot easier. Same thing with the coaches. I landed on a Sunday night and I met everyone quickly. Everyone has done a great job of getting acclimated.
What has this coaching staff been able to teach you in your time here?
I've learned so many things already from this staff, but my No. 1 thing is the attention to detail is something I have never seen. Both programs I previously played at had amazing attention to detail, but here, even the smallest little things, all those things matter down the road. We play in a very competitive conference and we have to find the little things that separate you. The attention to detail and doing all the little things right on a daily basis to create good habits.
What do you like to do outside of basketball?
I love to golf. I like to watch sports, I'm a big sports junky. I'm super close to my family so I just love spending time with family and friends. I'm a big social guy and like to be out.
Favorite Food: Steak
Favorite Basketball Drill: I love defense so maybe some classic shell drill even that's probably a hated answer.
If I wasn't playing basketball I'd be: I'd probably be working right now!
Favorite show watching growing up: SpongeBob Square Pants
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