Jammin In July: Max’s Day 1 Standouts
NHR traveled down to Ames, Iowa to catch some of Minnesota’s top AAU programs and prospects in action at Jammin In July. Which Minnesota prospects stood out on day one of the competition? We cover seven of the best today.…
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Continue ReadingNHR traveled down to Ames, Iowa to catch some of Minnesota’s top AAU programs and prospects in action at Jammin In July. Which Minnesota prospects stood out on day one of the competition? We cover seven of the best today.
Jaelen Treml Jaelen Treml 6'4" | SF Hopkins | 2021 State MN (6’4 2021 G, MN Select Ohnstad 17u)- Select started off the day with an 8am game, and it was Jaelen Treml Jaelen Treml 6'4" | SF Hopkins | 2021 State MN who helped spark the victory. His constant ball pressure on defense proved problematic for opposing ball handlers, so much that the other team’s point guard stopped bringing the ball up at one point. Add in a powerful transition dunk, excellent distribution in the half-court, and hitting a high percentage of his jump shots, and Jaelen looked the part of a player hungry for scholarship offers.
Jace Bigelow Jace Bigelow 6'4" | SG Kasson-Mantorville | 2021 State MN (6’4 2021 G, MN Select Robinson 17u)- Jace Bigelow Jace Bigelow 6'4" | SG Kasson-Mantorville | 2021 State MN was one of the top finishers I saw all day, scoring around the rim at will in Select-Robinson’s first game of the day. At 6’4 he has a solid frame for a guard, and used it to go over the top of smaller defenders around the basket. He had an aggressive approach to the game which allowed him to either score or get sent to the foul line a majority of the times he took it to the hoop.
Ahjany Lee Ahjany Lee 6'9" | C Byron | 2022 State #145 Nation MN (6’8 2022 F, D1 MN Prospects 17u)- The top rebounder I saw all day? That would be Ahjany Lee Ahjany Lee 6'9" | C Byron | 2022 State #145 Nation MN out of Byron. Playing up one year, Ahjany positioned his long and athletic frame to clean up everything that came off the rim on both ends of the floor. Ahjany did a good job of finding a man to box out after every single shot, creating space around the rim to explode and high-point the ball. Lee also impressed with his ability to step outside and knock down a few jumpers, proving he’s more than just a raw athlete.
Taison Chatman Taison Chatman 6'4" | PG Totino Grace | 2023 State #35 Nation MN (6’3 2023 G, D1 MN 15u)- The state’s top ranked 2023 prospect makes scoring the ball look so easy at times. With his 6’3 frame he’s taller than most guards at the 15u level, and uses that to his advantage as he can knock down jumpers over defenders with ease. Taison played with great change of pace which allowed him to create plenty of space for his jumper, or burst past defenders and get to the rim. I also liked Taison’s efforts on the defensive end, as he was constantly sitting deep in a stance, and applying ball pressure as soon as the opposing guard hit half-court.
Kyreese Willingham Kyreese Willingham 6'5" | SF Waseca | 2021 State MN (6’5 2021 W, Minnesota Heat 17u)- I thought Kyreese Willingham Kyreese Willingham 6'5" | SF Waseca | 2021 State MN had a really strong showing for Minnesota Heat throughout the day. He has the frame and athleticism of a scholarship level player, and definitely has the talent to match. Defensively he excelled at jumping passing lanes and getting out in transition, as well as being a shot blocking threat around the rim. On the offensive end he showcased a confident stroke from three, and finished at a high rate from inside.
Eli King Eli King 6'2" | PG Caledonia | 2022 State #151 Nation MN (6’3 2022 G, D1 MN 17u)- Eli looked solid in D1 Minnesota’s first two games of the day, but really blew up in the highly anticipated matchup against Team Factory. Eli took over the game with his smooth athleticism going to the rim, beating defenders with ease to either finish at the basket or showcase his playmaking ability to set up his teammates. In transition Eli was a highlight waiting to happen, throwing down dunk after dunk both in the open floor and in the half-court. Shortly after the game he earned an offer from Minnesota.
Tre Holloman Tre Holloman 6'2" | PG Cretin-Derham Hall | 2022 State #57 Nation MN (6’2 2022 PG, Howard Pulley 16u)- I caught Howard Pulley’s 9pm game against Lincoln Supreme 17u, and saw Tre looking aggressive as ever on both ends of the floor. Offensively he looked like an improved scorer, showcasing his impressive lay-up package around the rim, and a sweet turnaround jumper out of the post. As always, Tre was constantly setting up his teammates to score, dishing out three assists in the first three minutes of the game alone. Add in his constant ball pressure, communication, and will to win, and you have yourself a nationally ranked point guard.