Spring Open Period Preview – 2022 Center
The center position in Minnesota has developing talent that college programs should keep their eyes on. Here are those developing centers. Attention D1 Programs! Elvis Nnaji Elvis Nnaji 6'8" | C Hopkins | 2022 State #215 Nation MN – a…
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Continue ReadingThe center position in Minnesota has developing talent that college programs should keep their eyes on. Here are those developing centers.
Attention D1 Programs!
Elvis Nnaji Elvis Nnaji 6'8" | C Hopkins | 2022 State #215 Nation MN – a 6’8 center from Hopkins and D1 Minnesota 16u.
Comparison – Elvis reminds me a lot of Theo John at this age. Similar height, build, and agility, Elvis can be that similar type of prospect as he is close to where Theo was at the same age.
Why does that name sound familiar? Elvis is the cousin of Arizona standout Zeke Nnaji
Malcolm Jones Malcolm Jones 6'9" | C Prior Lake | 2022 State MN – a 6’8 center from Prior Lake and D1 Minnesota 16u.
Comparison – This is somewhat lazy but I couldn’t think of a better comparison than Robert Jones as Malcolm has such a similar build and mobility level. Malcolm seems similar in low post agility at this age though.
Why does that name sound familiar? Malcolm is the younger brother of Denver starting center Robert Jones.
6'7 sophomore Malcolm Jones figures to play a big role for Prior Lake this season! Malcolm is currently ranked #13 in Minnesota's loaded 2022 class. @Malcolm2Shifty
Highlights at the Breakdown Sports Fall League! pic.twitter.com/pUGvnuMmJZ
— Fresh Coast Hoops (@FreshCoastHoops) October 23, 2019
Brady Nicholson Brady Nicholson 6'9" | C Chaska | 2022 State MN – a 6’8 center from Chaska and Minnesota Fury 17u.
Comparison – In terms of size, hands, and deep elbows placed from a strong body I think Brady can be a similar player to what we saw Jalen Travis Jalen Travis 6'8" | C DeLaSalle | 2020 State MN . Jalen had a great year and would of been a scholarship hooper but he’s got a football body and a hunger for the Princeton education he is going to get. Brady could be a similar player.
Why does that name sound familiar? Brady is the younger brother of Northern Colorado now UMD transfer Cole Nicholson.
Sophomore Brady Nicholson has been a deep force for Chaska early with a couple low post scores and two blocks. Junior Luke Strazzanti's feeds have been quality too (4 assists) pic.twitter.com/toGDdQd2Ek
— Ryan James (@RyanJamesMN) February 2, 2020
Blessed Barhayiga Blessed Barhayiga 6'9" | C Osseo | 2022 State MN – a 6’8 center from Osseo and Team Get Shook.
Comparison – In watching Blessed this winter I thought back to a young Justin Dahl who is now at Northern Iowa. About the same size and getting bigger, able to help the team but at times still raw and learning trying to move to the play.
Why does that name sound familiar? Blessed was the regular center playing for Osseo this year in the middle.
Blessed Barhayiga is one of the top post prospects in Minnesota's 2022 class! The 6'8 center is currently ranked as the #6 prospect in his class according to @NorthstarHoops @TeamGetshook pic.twitter.com/KMZZpa1sE0
— Fresh Coast Hoops (@FreshCoastHoops) September 25, 2019
Blessed Barhayiga is one of the top post prospects in Minnesota's 2022 class! The 6'8 center is currently ranked as the #6 prospect in his class according to @NorthstarHoops @TeamGetshook pic.twitter.com/KMZZpa1sE0
— Fresh Coast Hoops (@FreshCoastHoops) September 25, 2019
Names to Know
Brandon Melchior Brandon Melchior 6'10" | C Elk River | 2022 State MN (6’8) of Elk River.
Logan Schmidt Logan Schmidt 6'8" | C Eagan | 2022 State MN (6’8) of Eagan.
Carson Woodford Carson Woodford 6'7" | C Redwood Valley | 2022 State MN (6’7) of Redwood Valley.