Battle At The Lakes: Intriguing Prospects To Watch
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The Battle At The Lakes kicks off tomorrow with many of Minnesota’s top programs competing. With a high amount of talented prospects competing locally, these are seven intriguing players to keep an eye on at the event. Jamal Ambrose Jamal…
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Continue ReadingThe Battle At The Lakes kicks off tomorrow with many of Minnesota’s top programs competing. With a high amount of talented prospects competing locally, these are seven intriguing players to keep an eye on at the event.
Jamal Ambrose Jamal Ambrose 6'10" | C East View | 2022 State MN (6’10 2022 PF/C, Gain Elite 2022)- Jamal battled an injury during the high school season, but has been putting up some impressive numbers with Gain Elite this spring. At 6’10 he has plenty of size and possesses a strong frame to compete on the block. What separates Jamal is his ability to step out and hit outside shots consistently, forcing opposing post players to defend him the perimeter. This spring he’s also been going to work on the block, scoring when isolated against high level competition. He possesses solid mobility and combined with his skillset he’s a post player to keep an eye on.
Thomas Diew Thomas Diew 6'7" | C St. Cloud Apollo | 2022 State MN (6’8 2022 PF/C, Hustle Hard 17u)- Thomas Diew Thomas Diew 6'7" | C St. Cloud Apollo | 2022 State MN is another post player off to an impressive start this spring. He’s always possessed advanced footwork in the post, but now he’s improved his athleticism to become a major threat in transition. Capable of running up the floor and throwing down powerful dunks, or catching on the block and making defenders look foolish with his footwork, Thomas will be one of the most skilled posts in attendance. Defensively he has a long wing span that allows him to contest in the paint and defend against taller competition.
Joshua Ofori Joshua Ofori 6'7" | PF Prior Lake | 2023 State MN (6’5 2023 G/W, MN Chill Elite)- A high potential player still flying a bit under the radar in the 2023 class, Joshua immediately catches your eye due to his positional size and athleticism. He’s an explosive athlete who can get up and finish above the rim, and that athleticism mixed with his length makes him a very versatile defender. I had the chance to watch Joshua in a fall league, and he is capable of creating his own shot off the dribble when attacking the basket, and utilizes a quick spin move in the paint to get off a clean look. Ofori is also a solid shooter when left open from three.
Akeem Nelson Akeem Nelson 6'1" | PG Minnesota prep academy | 2022 MN (6’1 2023 PG, Minnesota Heat-Pratt)- Having watched Akeem play in the summer, fall, and the winter, Akeem was one of those players who was just constantly improving. Going against high level of competition in practice and in games has been paying off, as his handle, feel for the game, passing, and finishing ability have all been improving. When running the point he’s able to remain composed under pressure, and he does a nice job of drawing in help and finding the open man to produce a clean look. The skilled point guard will be competing against some tough local teams including Gain Elite and MN Chill.
Jonathan Mekonnen (6’5 2024 F, Minnesota Heat PB&J 15u)- A high potential player who impressed when I watched him last fall, Jonathan has plenty of length and an intriguing skillset as a young wing/forward. He’s a versatile player who has shown the ability to handle in transition and attack off the dribble from the wing. Jonathan can also take smaller forwards into the post and score when given the space, while also being able to stretch the floor from three. Physically he has a long and wiry frame, and the athleticism to finish above the rim. I’m looking forward to seeing how he’s improved over the last six months.
Buom Jock Buom Jock 6'5" | SF Mankato West | 2022 VA (6’5 2022 W, D1 Minnesota Prospects 17u)- Buom Jock Buom Jock 6'5" | SF Mankato West | 2022 VA is another player who immediately stands out with his height, strength, and explosiveness. After he catches your eye in warmups, he immediately brings a high level of defensive effort and versatility to the floor. He can switch off and guard just about every spot, and uses his bounce to act as another rim protector. Buom is a major threat in transition, but can also do some damage off the dribble. He elevates with ease off the dribble in order to knock down mid-range shots over defenders, and he’s tough to knock off balance when he looks to score in the paint. This weekend will be another opportunity for Buom to produce against scholarship level opponents.
Pharrel Payne Pharrel Payne 6'9" | C Park Of Cottage Grove | 2022 State #84 Nation MN (6’9 2022 C, Minnesota Select-Ohnstad 17u)- Yes, Pharrel has become a known name in Minnesota over the past 6 months, but I’m excited for this weekend as Pharrel will have the chance to compete against some very high level players, including a pair of high major offered bigs for D1 Minnesota. His agility and ability to quickly get off the floor for a 6’9 player is rare, and he adds in physicality with the ability to move his man off the block and score through contact. Although he doesn’t shoot a large volume of threes, he’s capable of stepping out and knocking down about one a game with confidence. Defensively he’s one of the best shot blockers in the state, and uses great timing to contest just about everything around the rim.