Meet The Griz: Former Minnesota Golden Gopher Kadyn Betts. Why He Left Minnesota For Montana.

Welcome to our new series, Meet the Griz, where we will introduce new Montana Grizzlies and share the stories behind the athletes all summer long.

We kick off the series with Kadyn Betts, Grizzly Men's Basketball Forward.

From Minnesota to Montana

Betts spent the last three seasons with the Minnesota Golden Gophers, playing in 30 games after redshirting his freshman season.

Changes were made in the Golden Gophers Men's Basketball program this offseason when Head Coach Ben Johnson was let go. Coach Johnson was the one who brought Betts to Minneapolis, and his dismissal played a part in Betts coming to Missoula.

"Ben Johnson gave me my opportunity to come play at a Big 10 school," said Betts on The Daily Drive with Ace Sauerwein. "We had a close relationship. We were really close, We would text a lot, you know, joke a lot, so him leaving played a big factor [in entering the transfer portal]."

Welcome to Montana, Kadyn

When Betts entered the transfer portal, the Montana Grizzlies came-a-calling. There was familiarity from both sides.

"Out of high school, Montana recruited me pretty heavily," explained Betts. "So you know we already had kind of a, you know, already a relationship there."

"And then when they called again, you know, I already liked the coaches."

Next, Betts and his family hopped on a plane to Missoula, where he "fell in love with it."

And who can blame him?

Funny how life can work out, isn't it? Betts wasn't ready to play at Montana when he was fresh out of high school, but he is now.

It's also funny how certain memories can stick with you.

"To be honest, my first impression [of the Montana Grizzlies] was, you know, their logo is awesome," joked Betts.

READ MORE: 2 Montana Grizzlies Drafted To The CFL. See Who, Where and When

Get to know Kadyn Betts with Rapid Fire Questions

Q: Best piece of sports memorabilia you own?
A: Ty Lawson signed shoes

Q: Best player you've ever played with?
A: Cam Christie (LA Clippers) or Jamison Battle (Toronto Raptors

Q: Best player you've ever played against?
A: Zach Edey or Trayce Jackson-Davis or several Michigan State Spartans