Chi-Town Tip Off: Max’s Minnesota Standouts
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The Chi-Town Tip Off took place over the weekend in the Chicago area, with a variety of teams from across the mid-west coming together to compete. Over the weekend I was able to catch a handful of Minnesota prospects competing,…
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Continue ReadingThe Chi-Town Tip Off took place over the weekend in the Chicago area, with a variety of teams from across the mid-west coming together to compete. Over the weekend I was able to catch a handful of Minnesota prospects competing, and these are seven of the top performers I saw!
Camden Heide Camden Heide 6'7" | SF Wasatch Academy | 2022 State #129 Nation UT (6’6 2022 W, D1 Minnesota 17u)- Though D1 Minnesota got off to a slow start to the spring season, Camden Heide Camden Heide 6'7" | SF Wasatch Academy | 2022 State #129 Nation UT was one of the bright spots. Particularly in a game against Brad Beal Elite EYBL, Camden put in an efficient scoring performance. His explosive attack to the rim couple with impressive body control allowed him to hang in the air around the basket, contorting his body for some tough finishes. In transition he was a major threat as he has great straight-line speed to run the floor, and can take off to catch and finish alley-oops going full speed. He picked and chose his moments to attack, allowing him to score with a high level of efficiency. Also competed defensively and guarded multiple spots ranging from shooting guards to power forwards.
Brady Nicholson Brady Nicholson 6'9" | C Chaska | 2022 State MN (6’9 2022 C, Northstar Titans 2022 Terhaar)- A physically imposing post prospect, Brady took advantage of his height and strength early in a win for Northstar Titans. He won the battle early in securing good post position, giving a target with his hands allowing for easy entry passes. Brady was then able to score in a variety of ways using his footwork to create clean looks and then finishing with touch with the left hand. He also showed some nice passing vision to kick it out to open shooters or find cutting teammates and leading them to the basket. On the defensive end he works hard to limit clean post touches, was difficult to move off the block, and did a good job of sliding into position to contest looks around the rim. Brady fought to secure rebounds, and did a nice job of getting his head up to look for some deep outlet passes to get his team some easy looks.
Jack Janicki Jack Janicki 6'4" | SG White Bear Lake | 2023 State #277 Nation MN (6’4 2023 SG, D1 Minnesota 16u)- In a tough overtime loss to Brad Beal Elite EYBL, Jack Janicki Jack Janicki 6'4" | SG White Bear Lake | 2023 State #277 Nation MN made some big plays down the stretch that nearly gave his team the win. He has a rare ability to create space in a variety of ways, allowing him to get off a clean look regardless of who is defending him. Jack used his smooth lefty stroke to stretch the floor from beyond the arc, which helped to open up some isolation looks for D1’s big men on the block. He also brought energy to the floor after big buckets, and was a gritty defender going up against talented prospects on the other end.
Tavion Banks (6’7 2022 F, Brad Beal Elite 17u)- I’ve seen Tavion listed at both 6’6 and 6’8, and he brought a spark to the floor playing as his team’s 4-man. He’s a tough player with elite explosiveness, meaning he was a force on the glass on both ends, fighting for everything that came off the rim on both ends. Due to the talent around him, he didn’t have the ball in his hands a lot, but still managed to make plays running the floor in transition and spotting up for a few threes. On the defensive end he often had to guard true post players, and although he often gave up some size, his effort allowed him to make stops. The Minnesota Prep Academy prospect should see some nice recruitment at the D1 level over the spring/summer
Elvis Nnaji Elvis Nnaji 6'8" | C Hopkins | 2022 State #215 Nation MN (6’8 2022 PF, D1 Minnesota 17u)- I liked the flashes that Elvis showed going up against some tough competition all weekend. He had improved confidence from beyond the arc, taking multiple threes each game and hitting them at a decent rate. As he continues to improve from beyond the arc, the potential is scary. On the defensive end he can act as a rim protector, guards opposing posts, and is more than comfortable switching on screens and defending smaller wings on the perimeter. Elvis was a transition threat both jumping passing lanes and sprinting up the floor for dunks, and also finished off some contested looks around the rim. The potential that Elvis showed in his underclassmen years is starting to turn into production, as he was arguably the most consistent performer for D1 on the weekend.
Ibrahim El-Amin Ibrahim El-Amin 5'10" | PG Minnetonka | 2023 State MN (5’9 2023 G, D1 Minnesota 16u)- Ibo was often the smallest player on the court, but he’s always one of the toughest as well. Against a loaded Brad Beal Elite team, Ibo showed no fear attacking the basket and going straight at 6’8 defenders around the rim. He excelled at drawing contact to earn trips to the line, and made some clutch plays down the stretch to force overtime and nearly pull off a win. Ibo has a ton of confidence, and is the type of player who can create shots with ease off the dribble, elevating off the floor to get off his shots over a contesting defender. One of the streakiest scorers in the state, Ibo proved just how dangerous he can be once he gets in a rhythm.
Nathan Johnson Nathan Johnson 6'6" | C St. Thomas Academy | 2022 State MN (6’8 2022 PF/C, Northstar Titans 2022 Terhaar)- Northing flashy about Nathan’s game, but he works hard and is productive in multiple ways. Playing alongside Brady Nicholson Brady Nicholson 6'9" | C Chaska | 2022 State MN (mentioned earlier), the Northstar Titans have a dangerous front court duo, and the two combined for some nice high-low action in the game I caught. He has a solid frame, and was capable of performing a quick turn over the shoulder leading to a high percentage finish from the block. In transition he worked hard to run the floor, and also worked hard defensively to guard on the perimeter when switching. A post prospect flying under the radar in the 2022 class, Nathan should have some D3 schools watching this spring/summer.