University of Minnesota Athletics
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Get to Know Men's Basketball's Bobby Durkin
7/7/2025 2:39:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Bobby Durkin enters his junior year after spending his first two seasons at Davidson. The 6-7 forward from Darien, Ill., was the Wildcats' best three-point shooter in both his seasons there. As a sophomore in the 2024-25 season, Durkin averaged 13.5 points and third on the team in scoring. His 91 three-pointers ranked fourth in the Atlantic 10. As a freshman in 2023-24, Durkin started in 17 games and had 59 threes as well as 15 double-digit performances. Durkin played high school basketball at Glenbard West where he helped the team capture a 2022 Illinois state championship. Get to know Durkin in this question/answer session.
Why Minnesota?
Looking in the transfer portal, I was really looking for a place that was a good fit for me. The coaching staff really connected well with me on our calls. Obviously I thought the style of play fit me well so it was a good spot for me.
What sports did you play growing up and when did you start to focus solely on basketball?
I've kind of been focused on basketball my whole life. I played a little bit of baseball, but I always knew I wanted to play basketball, it's been a passion of mine since I was a little kid.
When did you know you could play at a higher level?
A lot longer than most kids, probably not until my senior year in high school is when I thought I could really compete at this level.
How has the adjustment been from Davidson to Minnesota?
Obviously it's different in terms of area and school. It's a similar style of play, but different systems and different ways we want to play. That's just been something I've needed to adjust to. Also, just the overall physicality. It is a higher level and I think getting adjusted and finding ways to impact that game.
The team has been through a couple weeks of practice, tell us how you've been able to come together so far.
I think through the first three weeks of practice, the energy has been great. I think all of the guys have bought into what the coaching staff is trying to put together here, which I think is great and obviously a great sign for us moving forward. It's been a lot of fun. I think everyone has been really enjoying the process of getting to know each other and starting things off this year.
Some have given you the nickname "Bobby Buckets." Do you know how it originated?
I think people called me that at Davidson, maybe even a bit in high school, I'm not too sure where it started. I try not to think about it too much, I just kind of focus on what I need to do to get better.
What's the best piece of advice you've gotten already from the Minnesota coaching staff or a teammate?
I think one thing that this coaching staff has said is just keep stacking days. I think that's a great piece of advice for me. Obviously we're a ways from the season, but now is just as important as two weeks before the season or a day away from the start of games. I think that's a great mentality I've been able to take away so far.
What's your biggest sports accomplishment to date and why?
Winning the state championship my senior year in high school was probably the biggest accomplishment in my sports career. We had a good team, we had a few really nice players and it was a lot of fun that season and being able to go on that run with them was awesome.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
Just the home games. I've heard a lot about the environment and when Williams gets going it's a lot of fun, so I'd say that's what I'm most looking forward to and playing in front of great crowds.
Favorite Food: Chicken Alfredo
Favorite Movie: Good Will Hunting
Favorite All-Time NBA Player or Team: Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls
Favorite Dessert or Snack: Chocolate Ice Cream
City you most want to visit: San Diego or San Francisco