10 Unsigned Senior Sleepers
Minnesota’s 2019 class is loaded with depth, and many players remain undecided on their college decisions thus far. We give you a rundown of 10 players ranked outside of our top 50 who have the ability to make an impact…
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Continue ReadingMinnesota’s 2019 class is loaded with depth, and many players remain undecided on their college decisions thus far. We give you a rundown of 10 players ranked outside of our top 50 who have the ability to make an impact at the next level.
Mason Tapp (6’6 W, Hayfield)- Mason Tapp is the highest ranked player on this list, coming in at #63 in the senior class. Despite this, Tapp remains far under the radar due to playing outside of the Metro area. He averaged just shy of 20 points a contest over his senior year, and opened a lot of eyes at the MNBCA all star series. At around 6’6 he has great length as a next level small forward, and combines that with freakish athleticism that turns a lot of heads. Mason is an inside-out scorer that can get to the rim off the dribble, or settle outside and knock down open threes. He has great potential with his combination of length and athleticism that will make him a great pickup for whichever college he decides on.
Medi Obang (6′ G, Austin)- Austin was a program that many thought would take a slight dip after losing a lot of talent from the previous year. Medi was one of the main reasons why Austin was able to stay successful and make it back to state. He’s a knock down three point shooter with deep range and a quick trigger, who was able to put up 20.4 ppg, including a 38 point total in the third place game at state. An energetic guard who likes to push the tempo offensively, Medi recently earned an offer from Lake Region St.
Daveonte Davis (6’3 G, St. Paul Central)- One of the most dominating offensive players in the St. Paul City Conference over the last few seasons, Daveonte can straight up put the ball in the hoop. Despite battling a shoulder injury towards the end of the season, Daveonte averaged 19 a game for the talented Minutemen. He’s a bulldog finisher around the rim who goes up strong and is able to finish through contact. Daveonte also has a smooth pull-up game from the mid-range, getting good elevation to finish over his defender. Daveonte has an offer from Lake Region St., and may play another spring of AAU to boost his stock.
Jacob Johnson (6’4 G, Champlin Park)- Jacob was one of the biggest surprises in the Metro this season, bursting onto the scene to average 16.2 ppg, 4.5 rpg, and 3 apg for an always talented Champlin Park program. A very smooth and fluid athlete with great length as a guard, Johnson has all of the physical attributes to be able to succeed at the next level. Jacob is a lengthy player who excels in getting out on the run in transition and finishing at the rim. His best basketball lies ahead as he continues to develop his skillset.
Kameron Givens (6′ G, DeLaSalle)- Another late bloomer, Kameron burst into the DeLaSalle starting lineup this season and was an instant contributor to a state championship team. He brings tenacious defense and crafty scoring ability to the floor, along with a mature feel for the game. Kam is an explosive athlete who can finish at the rim or pull-up from the mid-range where he elevates over defenders to get off a clean looking shot. He continued to get more comfortable on offense as the season progressed, and ended up averaging just under 10 ppg on a team that had two guys score 20+ a night. He’s a well coached and disciplined player who is ready to contribute at the next level.
Donn Ward (6’2 G, St. Paul Como Park)- One of the most athletic guards in the state, Donn punished rims all season long for Como Park. Donn is an explosive guard who excels at getting to the rim off the dribble, where he can then finish in a variety of ways by going over or around defenders. Though still a bit raw in other areas of the game, Donn uses his athleticism to effect the game in a variety of ways. He averaged 18.6 ppg on the year, and scored in double digits in all but one game. Donn is a diamond in the rough kind of player, who could be polished into a solid contributor at the next stage.
Ronnell Porter (5’7 G, St. Paul Central)- Don’t let his size fool you, Ronnell Porter is one of the toughest players in the whole state. An absolute dog on the defensive end, Ronnell excels at picking up guys full court, and pestering them over the entirety of the game. No stranger to playing every second of each game, Ronnell averaged 14 ppg and was named player of the year in the St. Paul City Conference. Though he has proven that he can score, Ronnell is a pass first point guard who is able to draw in defenders by penetrating the lane, and dishing out passes for open looks from his teammates. Ronnell also excels as a vocal leader and plays with an intensity matched by few. He’ll be playing another spring season of AAU to boost his stock, and if schools can overlook his size, they could be getting a good one in Ronnell.
M’Akil Weems (6’4 W, Tartan)- Looking for an explosive wing? Look no further, as M’Akil Weems is one of the most athletic wing players in the Metro area. M’Akil is long and lanky with the ability to throw down dunks in transition and in the half court set. Though not a great shooter, M’Akil is capable of knocking down some threes, while most of his offense comes by getting to the rim. He averaged 8.7 ppg, 6.1 rpg, and 3.3 apg this season as a do-it-all player. M’Akil was also often tasked with defending the opposing team’s best wing or forward, and he’s a guy that can make an impact on both ends of the floor at the next level.
Rayquan Valentin (6’3 G, Hopkins)- Not a big numbers guy and he won’t do anything that stands out, but Rayquan does all of the little things to help his team win. Rayquan can handle the ball, will knock down open shots, and is one of the best post-feeders you’ll see. He plays very composed and is an intelligent player that comes into every game prepared for his opponent. He averaged 4 points a contest as the Hopkins 6th man, and often provided key minutes off the bench for the state champions. Rayquan accepts his role as a glue guy, and appears capable of playing that way at the college level.
Yohanes Gebeyehu (5’10 G, Roseville)- Yohanes Gebeyehu is another undersized guard on this list who doesn’t let size define him. He’s lightning quick with a great hesitation dribble move that allows him to create space for a jumper, or blow by his defender and get in the lane. A crafty ball-handler, Yohanes averaged 11.6 ppg on the year, including 16.6 a game over the last 10 games of the season. As the season progressed he started getting more and more confident in his game, and became an ever increasingly dangerous player on offense, putting up some big numbers against some very good teams.