Recruiting Report: Dane Zimmer (2019)
Hopkins frontcourt junior Dane Zimmer is a throwback. He’s tough, consistent, and skilled facing the basket or with his back to the rim.
This spring and summer Zimmer spent his 16u year competing with a Minnesota Fury squad that went 37-15 over the four month stretch.
“The AAU year went well, and one of the things I noticed competing at this level was the game was much faster,” Dane said.
The game is faster when the talent level goes up. Playing the solid schedule that the Fury 16s did will be great practice for Zimmer who will now have a bigger role for Hopkins, who also faces a very tough schedule.
What is Dane doing to make up for that level of competition.
“I am working on my ball handling and shooting,” Zimmer said.
Hopkins returns a healthy part of last year’s line-up including Anthony Davis, Blaise Beauchamp, Joseph Hedstrom, and Zeke Njaji who all spent time as starters last winter.
“I think this year’s team has a lot of talent and our goal is always to win state,” Dane explained.
Zimmer also spent time on the varsity floor last year but as a sophomore behind three division one talents (Hedstrom, Nnaji, and Simon Wright) the time was limited so Zimmer also played junior varsity. This year he will be a much bigger piece of the rotation.
Dane played big minutes for the Fury the last four months and three schools are now talking to him the most.
“I’ve heard from the University of South Dakota, the University of St. Thomas, and Southwest Minnesota State University,” Zimmer said.
Hopkins finished 23-6 a year ago so the off-season had a bit more punch to it. Former Timberwolves and Washington Wizards coach Don Zierden worked with the team as did former Hopkins Mr. Basketball Siyani Chambers.
“As a team we have done a few tournaments, also we have had some practices and open gyms.”