July Live Period Prospects To Watch
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July is approaching, and with that comes the opportunity for Division One coaches to catch some high level AAU matchups in person! Minnesota will once again be a hotbed of prospects for D1 coaches to keep an eye on, and…
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Continue ReadingJuly is approaching, and with that comes the opportunity for Division One coaches to catch some high level AAU matchups in person! Minnesota will once again be a hotbed of prospects for D1 coaches to keep an eye on, and these are seven intriguing prospects that could be in for big months in their recruitments.
Chiddi Obiazor Chiddi Obiazor 6'5" | PF Eden Prairie | 2023 MN (6’5 2023 F, Howard Pulley)- When I first saw Chiddi play it was in a fall league of AAU programs against a 17u team, and so I originally thought he was also a 2021 prospect. I later found out that he was only a 2023 and was blown away by not only his physical abilities, but how he was able to put them to use at a young age. He’s stronger than most players that can match his quickness, and quicker than those that can match his strength, making him a difficult matchup. Chiddi does most of his scoring around the rim where he has a quick spin move to create his own looks, or the ability to attack from the wing and use his strength to remain balanced and finish through contact. He can find success operating as a SF, but can also play as a smaller PF due to his strength to compete on the block. He recently joined the Howard Pulley 16u squad, and could find himself putting together a strong run of play in July.
Brenden Moss (6’5 2022 SG, Kingdom Hoops)- The Minnesota Prep Academy prospect is one of the top guards in the state without a D1 offer, and he put together a strong spring season running with Kingdom Hoops, and performed at a high level at the Butler elite camp as well. At 6’4-6’5 he has the size to play on the wing, but has also shown some flashes of handling the ball and setting up his teammates to score. Brenden is a sharpshooter who has no problem taking and making shots in crunch time, and the left handed stroke always seems to connect at a high rate. Defensively he’s a hard worker who sits low in a stance to defend, and his length can cause some issues in passing lanes.
Joshua Ola-Joseph Joshua Ola-Joseph 6'6" | SF Osseo | 2022 State #166 Nation MN (6’6 2022 SF, D1 Minnesota)- Josh has added his first two D1 offers over the past month, and based off his performance at the MBCA Showcase you can expect him to pick up a few more in July. Arguably the most explosive player in the state, Josh is a constant above-the-rim threat who can throw down on a defender, score in transition, and is so dangerous cutting backdoor for lobs. He’s also become a consistent shooter from beyond the arc, forcing defenders to keep a hand up from beyond the high school line. On the defensive end his long arms cause problems as he’s able to contest/block shots as a helpside defender, and he’s also good at jumping passing lanes to get out in transition. Though he plays a lot on the wing, Josh also has the physical attributes to play as a smaller PF as his length and leaping ability allow him to dominate around the rim.
Hakeem Ford Hakeem Ford 6'5" | PF Minneapolis Southwest | 2022 State MN (6’5 2022 SF, Minnesota Heat-Grow)- Another player in that conversation for most explosive athletes in the state? Hakeem Ford Hakeem Ford 6'5" | PF Minneapolis Southwest | 2022 State MN out of Minneapolis Southwest has been a walking highlight with Minnesota Heat-Grow, and has been improving in his consistency on the offensive end. He’s become more than just a transition threat as he can slash from the wing to get to the rim or crash the glass for second chance opportunities. On the defensive end there aren’t many spots on the floor that he can’t defend as he moves his feet so well at 6’5, and excels at creating turnovers that turn into instant offense going the other way. The explosive dunks and blocked shots will catch your attention, but he’s also a hard worker who’s been constantly improving on both ends of the floor.
Donovan Smith Donovan Smith 5'10" | PG Minnehaha Academy | 2022 OH (5’10 2022 PG, Sizzle 17u)- Donovan unfortunately had to sit out most of the high school season with an injury, but has been back and healthy over the last few months. Coming off a strong performance at the MBCA Showcase, he’ll look to continue that run of play into July. Not only is Donovan one of the best shooters in the state, but he’s also one of the quickest players able to create space in a hurry with a shifty crossover or stepback move which allows him to get off shots against longer defenders. Smith also has a quick hesitation move that can get defenders off their feet, allowing him to blow by and either score with a floater or look to facilitate from the paint. On the defensive end his quickness allows him to be a pest defending the ball away from the basket, and he fights to get over the top of screens.
Antonio Bluiett Antonio Bluiett 6'2" | PG Buffalo | 2022 State MN (6’2 2022 PG, Comets Elite)- One thing that college coaches will love about Antonio is his leadership both on the court and from the bench. He’s a vocal player who is constantly communicating, and when he’s on the bench he’s like another coach constantly calling things out and encouraging his teammates. On the floor he’s a tough floor general who can get to the rim to finish and shows nice elevation on his pull-up jumper. Antonio is capable of producing as a scorer or a facilitator depending on what his team needs, and he also brings a lot of toughness and effort to the floor on the defensive end. Has been a consistent player in the games I’ve seen because he’s capable of contributing in so many ways.
Donavhan Cain (6’4 2023 G, Howard Pulley)- After transferring to Cretin-Derham Hall from Beloit, Wisconsin, Donavhan will join the Howard Pulley 16u team where he’s already making an impact after a tournament in Iowa over the weekend. Donavhan has the look of one of the most athletic players in the state, as he can take off for some impressive dunks both in transition and in half-court. That athleticism appears to translate to the defensive end as well as he can move his feet to defend smaller ball handlers, but has the length to guard on the wing as well. I haven’t had the chance to see him play live yet, but based on the tape he’s a very intriguing prospect as combined with his athleticism he has shooting range from beyond the arc.