Prospect Spotlight: Daniel Savageau (2020)
A season ago, the Osakis Silverstreaks finished a successful season with a 21-7 record, a share of the Prairie Conference Championship, and a trip to the sub-section semifinals. After losing two 1,000 point scorers to graduation, and being re-assigned to Section 8AA, there are some unknowns for Osakis this year.
However, one thing they are sure about heading into this season is their 5’10” sophomore point guard, Daniel Savageau. As a freshman last season, Savageau averaged 12.7 PPG, 2.4 REB, 1.8 AST, and 1.6 STL while shooting 54% from inside the arc, 40% from three, and 74% at the foul line.
Head coach Matt Hoelscher says that Savageau “shoots the ball very well from the outside. He has excellent court vision and ball handling skills which makes him a complete offensive player that can beat you in multiple ways.”
It is very important for a head coach and their point guard to be in lockstep, and when discussing the strengths of Daniel’s game, their assessments were eerily similar. Savageau says “I believe my strengths as a player are knocking down jump shots and attacking the basket and getting my teammates an easy shot.”
Over the summer, Savageau played AAU ball for the West Central United, an experience that figures to elevate his game going forward. “The season was a success playing against the top guards in the state/area. The season made me progress as a player and learned that there are players out there who work hard. So that motivates you as well” says Savageau.
In addition to playing for WC United, Daniel has been in the gym during the off-season working on improving his strength, as most young players do. “I always need room to improve strength wise. I have been hitting the weight room hard this last summer and fall. So, it will show during the season” says Savageau.
To this point, Savageau has not been in contact with any college coaches directly, but has been invited to a few camps. He is a good student in the classroom, and is a willing learner on the basketball court, saying that “basketball wise I want a coach that will push me hard and tell me my mistakes, and teammates that are encouraging and hardworking.”
As for the team and the uncertainty of a new section this year, the Silverstreaks welcome it with open arms. Says Hoelscher “I do know the players and coaches are excited about the unknown section as we get to play new teams.” Savageau adds “I’m looking forward to this season knowing that we could make a deep run in the playoffs. We have very high speed and great shooters.”
The Osakis Silverstreaks, led by their young floor general, Savageau, look to figure into the Prairie Conference championship race once again this year.
***Photo Credit: Echo Press***