University of Minnesota Athletics
Get to Know Men's Basketball's Cedric Tomes
6/29/2026 11:19:00 AM | Men's Basketball
A Woodbury, Minn., product, Cedric Tomes is an incoming freshman who finished an outstanding high school career at East Ridge. A three-star recruit, Tomes was a Mr. Basketball top 10 finalist. As a senior last season, Tomes averaged 30.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 2.2 steals. He left his mark with the Raptors program as the all-time leading scorer after he posted over 2,000 career points. He also set the single game school record in points )50), field goals made (17) and attempted (29) and three pointers made (9) and attempted (16). A standout in high school football as well, Tomes comes from an athletic family with siblings and dad playing basketball. Get to know more in this question/answer session.
You were Coach Medved's first high school commit here at Minnesota. What was it that stood out to you about his leadership and program?
Right away, I saw the future and what he envisioned for this program moving forward. In his first year, all of that became evident and I want to join this group, help build the culture and help take this program in the right direction.
You've got quite the history of connections with the University of Minnesota. Can you share more about that?
My mom and oldest brother both went to Minnesota for parts of college and now my dad is working in the technology field here. I love this school already. I've only been on campus for a few months, but I can just tell through their experiences and the stories I've heard from friends and family that have played here, it's a great place to be. I can't wait.
You come from a very athletic family and a long line of members that have played or been involved in basketball. Tell us about their athletic paths.
My mom, dad, brother and sister all played basketball at high levels after high school. My brother and sister both played Division I basketball at the Air Force Academy and then my sister also later played at St. Thomas. My dad played pro in Germany, which his stories are really interesting to hear and it would be really cool to have an opportunity one day. My mom, however, was probably the best out of all of them, even though she decided to become a doctor. She was really good when she played in Germany as well. It's cool to be able to continue the tradition.
We know you were also a football player in high school, but what sports did you all play and when did you decide basketball was your path?
I always played football and I played baseball until I was in eighth grade. With AAU basketball, it was hard to to pick between one or the other and I wanted to do basketball. Football stayed around for a while, but ultimately I knew I wanted to play basketball.
For those who haven't seen your game, tell us about your playing style or what you can bring to the Gophers.
I'm a quick guard. I like to try lead guys. Coming here, I wanted to learn from some of these guys and their experiences. With this coaching staff and their unselfish style, and great teamwork and chemistry on offense, I think I could fit in there nicely and help contribute overall to how the team plays.
You've been on the Minnesota team for a few weeks now, how has this summer transition been for you?
It's been really good. We are working out a bunch and all getting a lot better, which is cool to see. It's definitely a new level of basketball and takes adjusting. With this coaching staff and these guys around me, they are helping me every step of the way. I can only imagine where I will be in a few months from now.
You're close with Nolen Anderson as you played together in AAU, but how have you been able to get to know your other teammates?
All the guys from Minnesota (Nolen, Nolan, Grayson, Isaac) I've known for a while. The other guys were very open and friendly right away. You can tell we've grown tighter as a group already and that's only going to keep building. That only makes us the best team we can be once the season rolls around.
What's something you've already been able to take away from either a teammate or a member of the coaching staff?
The effort level is your training width. You're competing in every group, every rep, every station and competing against someone else. It's cool to know that you're both making each other better, but in that moment there's that competitive atmosphere. That's how I push myself. I want to see myself get better than the dude across from me.
What are you most looking forward to this upcoming season?
As a freshman, just soaking it all in, learning from everyone and seeing what will happen. Just competing every day.
Favorite Food: Mac and Cheese.
Favorite Basketball Drill: One-on-one rollouts on the court.
Best sports memory to date: In high school we upset the No. 1 team in basketball and football (Totino-Grace and Lakeville North) the same year so that was pretty cool to do.
Your Minnesota summer recommendation must: Get outside and enjoy it. There's a bunch of lakes and enjoy the weather while you can because it will get cold fast.
Favorite NBA Player: Buddy Hield. I watched him play in college and he's kind of a niche player. Not too many people would say that name. I've watched him grow up and he's one of the best shooters and to see what he's done from college to pros what he's done.
You were Coach Medved's first high school commit here at Minnesota. What was it that stood out to you about his leadership and program?
Right away, I saw the future and what he envisioned for this program moving forward. In his first year, all of that became evident and I want to join this group, help build the culture and help take this program in the right direction.
You've got quite the history of connections with the University of Minnesota. Can you share more about that?
My mom and oldest brother both went to Minnesota for parts of college and now my dad is working in the technology field here. I love this school already. I've only been on campus for a few months, but I can just tell through their experiences and the stories I've heard from friends and family that have played here, it's a great place to be. I can't wait.
You come from a very athletic family and a long line of members that have played or been involved in basketball. Tell us about their athletic paths.
My mom, dad, brother and sister all played basketball at high levels after high school. My brother and sister both played Division I basketball at the Air Force Academy and then my sister also later played at St. Thomas. My dad played pro in Germany, which his stories are really interesting to hear and it would be really cool to have an opportunity one day. My mom, however, was probably the best out of all of them, even though she decided to become a doctor. She was really good when she played in Germany as well. It's cool to be able to continue the tradition.
We know you were also a football player in high school, but what sports did you all play and when did you decide basketball was your path?
I always played football and I played baseball until I was in eighth grade. With AAU basketball, it was hard to to pick between one or the other and I wanted to do basketball. Football stayed around for a while, but ultimately I knew I wanted to play basketball.
For those who haven't seen your game, tell us about your playing style or what you can bring to the Gophers.
I'm a quick guard. I like to try lead guys. Coming here, I wanted to learn from some of these guys and their experiences. With this coaching staff and their unselfish style, and great teamwork and chemistry on offense, I think I could fit in there nicely and help contribute overall to how the team plays.
You've been on the Minnesota team for a few weeks now, how has this summer transition been for you?
It's been really good. We are working out a bunch and all getting a lot better, which is cool to see. It's definitely a new level of basketball and takes adjusting. With this coaching staff and these guys around me, they are helping me every step of the way. I can only imagine where I will be in a few months from now.
You're close with Nolen Anderson as you played together in AAU, but how have you been able to get to know your other teammates?
All the guys from Minnesota (Nolen, Nolan, Grayson, Isaac) I've known for a while. The other guys were very open and friendly right away. You can tell we've grown tighter as a group already and that's only going to keep building. That only makes us the best team we can be once the season rolls around.
What's something you've already been able to take away from either a teammate or a member of the coaching staff?
The effort level is your training width. You're competing in every group, every rep, every station and competing against someone else. It's cool to know that you're both making each other better, but in that moment there's that competitive atmosphere. That's how I push myself. I want to see myself get better than the dude across from me.
What are you most looking forward to this upcoming season?
As a freshman, just soaking it all in, learning from everyone and seeing what will happen. Just competing every day.
Favorite Food: Mac and Cheese.
Favorite Basketball Drill: One-on-one rollouts on the court.
Best sports memory to date: In high school we upset the No. 1 team in basketball and football (Totino-Grace and Lakeville North) the same year so that was pretty cool to do.
Your Minnesota summer recommendation must: Get outside and enjoy it. There's a bunch of lakes and enjoy the weather while you can because it will get cold fast.
Favorite NBA Player: Buddy Hield. I watched him play in college and he's kind of a niche player. Not too many people would say that name. I've watched him grow up and he's one of the best shooters and to see what he's done from college to pros what he's done.
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