Taurus Samuels

Photo by: Kelly Hagenson

Photo by: Brace Hemmelgarn

Position:
Guard
Ht./Wt.:
6-1 / 195
Class:
Fifth Year
Hometown:
Oceanside, Calif.
High School:
Vista HS

PRONUNCIATION

2022-23• GRADUATE SEASON:
Team captain • saw action in 28 games for the Gophers, including 13 starts and 471 minutes • played 24 minutes in his Minnesota debut against Western Michigan (11/7) • scored eight points in the win over St. Francis Brooklyn (11/11) • had his first Minnesota start in the game vs. Mississippi State (12/11) • scored six points vs. Pine Bluff (12/14) •.scored eight points, including a three to send the Gophers into overtime vs. Nebraska (1/7) • had six points and three assists in the win at Ohio State (1/12) • scored six points vs. Purdue (1/19) • had seven points at Northwestern (1/28).

PRIOR TO MINNESOTA
Started in in 23 games for Dartmouth during the 2021-22 season and ranked third on the team in scoring and averaged 9.4 points • also averaged 2.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 28.5 minutes his senior year • Ivy League action alone, averaged 9.0 points and 26.5 minutes played • held 11 double-digit games, including a career-high 23 points Georgetown • Due to COVID-19, the Ivy League did not compete in the 2020-21 season • in sophomore campaign, started in 28 of 29 games and was second on the team in assists (60) and fourth in scoring (8.4 ppg) • also ranked third on the team with 19 steals and second in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.54) • as a freshman in 2018-19, Samuels saw action in all 30 games that season and averaged 4.3 points • was later awarded the team's Doggie Julian award, given for his spirit and enthusiasm.

HIGH SCHOOL
Captained Vista High School to a 23-9 record as a senior while averaging 19.6 points, 5.6 assists and 4.2 rebounds per game • All-California Interscholastic Federation, North San Diego and all-conference first-team performer • one of 30 players selected to participate in the San Diego County Hoops Report Senior All-Star Basketball Game • three-star, ESPN-rated prospect • San Diego Union Tribune Captain Scholar of the Year • participated in the Albert Schweitzer Tournament as a member of Team USA, shooting 42 percent from long range during the event.

PERSONAL
Mom’s name is Maybelline Nicolas • graduated from Dartmouth with a degree in psychology • obtaining a master's degree in sports management.