Michael Rand
Columnist / Reporter
RandBallMichael Rand is a North Dakota native, a graduate of the University of Minnesota and an enthusiastic consumer of tacos. He lives in Eagan with his wife, three children and one energetic pug.
Latest from Michael Rand
RandBall: The Gophers are going for it. That’s always popular and often correct.
A look around major college sports and the crowded Twin Cities sports landscape tells you what you need to know about hiring new men’s basketball Niko Medved.
March 25, 2025
Podcast: Niko Medved’s to-do list with Gophers; Wolves, Wild in dangerous spots
Host Michael Rand starts with the Timberwolves, who lost for the third time in four games. Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins joins Rand for a breakdown of why the Gophers hired Niko Medved.
March 25, 2025
RandBall: Gophers men’s hockey has champagne problems compared to North Dakota
Every great program wants to win a championship every season. The Gophers are getting a lot closer these days than one of their all-time biggest rivals.
March 24, 2025
Podcast: Patrick Reusse on Niko Medved, Gophers hockey and the Twins
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in Minnesota sports. A buzzer-beater loss for Colorado State on Sunday means head coach Niko Medved is available. Will the Gophers hire him as soon as Monday?
March 24, 2025
Podcast: Ex-Gophers dominate tourney; A conversation with Minnesota United’s Eric Ramsay
Host Michael Rand starts with the dominance of Pharrel Payne (Texas A&M) and Elijah Hawkins (Texas Tech) on the first day of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. Minnesota United soccer manager Eric Ramsay joins the show
March 21, 2025
RandBall: In doing the right thing with McCarthy, Vikings embrace uncertainty
After more than a week of Aaron Rodgers rumblings, the Vikings have charted a clear path with second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
March 20, 2025
Podcast: ‘Unserious’ Wolves, serious Wild and a QB debate with La Velle E. Neal
Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Timberwolves, who gave away another game. La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand for their weekly debate segment.
March 20, 2025
RandBall: MLB and the wonderfully quirky Rule 5 draft
A quarter-century ago, the Rule 5 draft brought Johan Santana to the Twins.
March 19, 2025
Podcast: Ex-Gophers dominate tourney; A conversation with Minnesota United’s Eric Ramsay
Host Michael Rand starts with the dominance of Pharrel Payne (Texas A&M) and Elijah Hawkins (Texas Tech) on the first day of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. Minnesota United soccer manager Eric Ramsay joins the show
March 21, 2025
RandBall: In doing the right thing with McCarthy, Vikings embrace uncertainty
After more than a week of Aaron Rodgers rumblings, the Vikings have charted a clear path with second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
March 20, 2025
Podcast: ‘Unserious’ Wolves, serious Wild and a QB debate with La Velle E. Neal
Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Timberwolves, who gave away another game. La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand for their weekly debate segment.
March 20, 2025
RandBall: MLB and the wonderfully quirky Rule 5 draft
A quarter-century ago, the Rule 5 draft brought Johan Santana to the Twins.
March 19, 2025