Gopher Basketball: Former Eastview forward looking to transfer to Minnesota

November 25, 2012; Anaheim, CA, USA; Drake Bulldogs forward Joey King (24) and Xavier Musketeers forward Justin Martin (20) go for a rebound in game 9 of the Directv Classic at the Anaheim Convention Center. Xavier Musketeers won 74-70. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Former Eastview power forward Joey King is looking to transfer back to Minnesota.

The 6-foot-7 Eagan native committed to Drake in 2011 and had received interest from Wisconsin, Indiana, and USC among others but at the time Tubby Smith did not make an offer.

King is expected to visit the Twin Cities sometime this weekend where an offer could be made by Coach Pitino. King cites being closer to his family as a reason for his transfer.

With Trevor Mbakwe gone, King could add some much needed depth to the power forward position.  Right now, the current roster for next season has Oto Osenieks and Maurice Walker splitting time at the position.  But with Pitino’s new system, Walker may not fit.

If the Gophers can get King, along with ex-Louisville player Rakeem Buckles, the depth at the forward position suddenly looks very promising.  Buckles said earlier this week that he still hopes to transfer to Minnesota for the upcoming season.

King averaged 7 points and 3 rebounds per game last season with Drake University.  King was also named to the Missouri Valley Conference’s all-freshmen team last year.

His transfer would mean Pitino’s staff has one more scholarship left.  That last scholarship is likely going to go to Rakeem Buckles, who would be a senior next season and would be eligible to play.