Unsigned Senior Post Prospects To Know
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If you take a look at the 2022 rankings list, you’ll notice a lot of the top prospects have already committed to play their college athletics, but there’s still so much talent left on the board across the state. Today…
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Continue ReadingIf you take a look at the 2022 rankings list, you’ll notice a lot of the top prospects have already committed to play their college athletics, but there’s still so much talent left on the board across the state. Today I’ll be taking a look at some of the top 2022 post prospects still available that schools at all levels can be taking a look at! Reminder that there are obviously a lot more players to know that could make this list, but for the sake of time I’m mixing in some big names with some under the radar players.
Elvis Nnaji Elvis Nnaji 6'8" | C Hopkins | 2022 State #215 Nation MN (6’7 2022 PF, Hopkins)- Elvis plays so much bigger than his size, and is a player who constantly brings a ton of energy to the floor. He simply wants to outwork anyone you put in front of him, and that shows especially with how he runs the floor. Elvis can fly rim-to-rim, and other posts simply can’t keep up with him which leads to a lot of transition buckets. He’s tough to keep off the offensive glass, and does well to rebound on both ends of the floor. Elvis has looked like a more consistent shooter from three this year, as you can tell that’s something he’s been working on improving since last season. Nnaji is a high level defender as well, capable of switching and defending anywhere on the floor at the high school level.
Brady Nicholson Brady Nicholson 6'9" | C Chaska | 2022 State MN (6’9 2022 C, Chaska)- Brady has been having a monster senior year for Chaska, and I caught him live earlier this week where he scored 19 points. He’s been putting in a lot of work on his body, and he’s now a strong and mobile 6’9 big who’s super versatile offensively. Nicholson can knock down shots from well beyond the arc with an effortless left-handed stroke, and flashes the ability to put the ball on the floor and attack the basket from the perimeter. With his back to the basket he has a handful of moves in his arsenal to create high percentage looks, and he has excellent touch around the rim. One of the things that stands out about his game is how good of a passer he is. Brady is able to recognize when the double team comes, quickly locate an open shooter, and deliver an accurate pass right into his teammate’s hands for a wide open three. Add in the physicality to defend on the block, and you have a talented unsigned center.
Jamal Ambrose Jamal Ambrose 6'10" | C East View | 2022 State MN (6’10 2022 C, Eastview)- When it comes to shooting strokes in the 2022 class, among all positions, Jamal ranks with the best. His release is just so smooth, with the ability to hit shots from three or mid-range. Prior to last night’s win over Farmington, Jamal had three straight games scoring 24, 27, and 23 points against tough competition. He’s such a difficult matchup at the high school level, because most guys are either too small to compete with him on the block, or they have the size but aren’t quick enough to chase him around the perimeter and stop him from hitting threes. Jamal is a bit more explosive off the floor than I think he gets credit for, and he works hard getting up and down the floor. One of the more skilled bigs in the state.
Evan Dushek Evan Dushek 6'8" | C Owatonna | 2022 State MN (6’8 2022 PF/C, Owatonna)- When it comes to the more physical players in the state, Evan ranks among the best. He’s so strong and tough to keep from establishing position down low, and once he gets a touch on the block he’s skilled enough to go to work. Has shown excellent touch with his back to the basket, but is also able to face up and hit the short/mid-range jumper. Can quickly get off the floor for rebounds/finishes, and is so tough to move off the block defensively. Went for 23 points against a tough Robbinsdale Armstrong team earlier this season, as well as 22 against Mankato East, showing he can produce at a high level against size.
Payton Mogire Payton Mogire 6'8" | C Maple Grove | 2022 State MN (6’9 2022 C, Robbinsdale Armstrong)- Payton is a physically gifted post player who continues to show promising flashes every time I see him. At around 6’9 he has a strong frame, long arms, and is a good athlete for his size who can get up the floor and has some explosiveness. Isn’t afraid to go at size 1v1 on the block, with an array of moves to get off good looks inside. Has the touch to finish with his right hand, and is relentless fighting for offensive boards on his misses. Does well to not bring the ball down where guards can get it, and still has the bounce to get up and finish above the rim in the half-court. Defensively he can defend against wings in stretches when he switches on screens, and has the mobility to hedge and retreat back to his man on P&R’s. Solid shot blocking threat as well with his quick burst off the floor.
Goanar Tap (6’9 2022 C, St. Cloud Tech)- A really deep sleeper who could be a nice project at the next level, Goanar has a ton of defensive potential. In games where he sees longer stretches of minutes, you can really see his potential as a shot blocker. Against Annandale he swatted three shots, followed up by a four block game against Willmar. He’s incredibly long and has enough mobility to slide over into spots where he poses a threat to block/alter shots. Competes on the glass as well using his length, and has shown decent touch around the basket to finish off second chance looks.
Miles Hettinger Miles Hettinger 6'8" | C Stewartville | 2022 State MN (6’8 2022 PF/C, Stewartville)- Miles has stepped into a bigger role for his team as a senior, and the 6’8 big man has delivered. He has some explosiveness off two feet and his able to power off the floor to finish above the rim or score through contact. Makes short cuts from the dunker spot to step into his finishes, and also has the shooting touch to step out and hit open jumpers. Physical presence down low who’s starting to emerge as a legit player.
Thomas Diew Thomas Diew 6'7" | C St. Cloud Apollo | 2022 State MN (6’8 2022 PF/C, St. Cloud Apollo)- Thomas has put in a lot of work over the last 1-2 years to become quicker and more explosive, and it’s transformed him into a more complete player. He used to rely on his strength and exceptional footwork in the post, but can now run the floor, handle the ball on the perimeter, and knock down outside shots. Thomas has a long wingspan, and with his timing to get off the floor he’s a big shot blocking threat. This year he’s been comfortable pulling in defensive boards and putting the ball on the floor to initiate the fast break himself. Tough finisher inside who’s averaging 18.3 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.