Recruiting Report: Tessy Pal (2016)
Six-foot-7 forward Tessy Pal of Fridley is only six games into his senior season but Pal has produced 15 points per game and his combo forward skill with strong potential has most believing his best days are ahead. “We ask…
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Continue ReadingSix-foot-7 forward Tessy Pal of Fridley is only six games into his senior season but Pal has produced 15 points per game and his combo forward skill with strong potential has most believing his best days are ahead.
“We ask Tesse to do a lot of things for us (backcourt press break responsibilities, play the 3,4,5 positions, defend the opponents best front court player, etc),” Fridley Coach Jim MacDonald said. “He is averaging a double/double at 15 points and 11 rebounds a game and he also leads us in assists 2.5 assists per game.
“This is his strength, he has an all-around game that is not always reflected on the stat sheet. I believe the best thing you can do on the court is make your teammates better, he is starting to make his teammates and those around him better.
“There are a lot of areas he has improved in; he has improved his off the dribble game, he is very tough on off the dribble in a ½ court set. Tesse’s post game has improved as well, he could go over defenders last year, this year is finishing with going through the defenders as well.
“Tesse has also become a much more consistent three point shooter. He is still thin, and strength has been an issue, but he has gotten much stronger, he shows up in the morning at 6:30 am to get additional lifting and shooting in, his dedication and commitment to get better and play at the next level drives him as much as he wants this team to make a February /March run.
“I’m really happy and impressed with what he’s done, but like any old coach I think he is just scratching the surface of what he can do and become, and want more from him.”
Pal and Fridley defeated River Falls, Concordia Academy, and Highland Park with losses to Mounds View, Minneapolis North, and Delano. The team is 3-3 thus far.
“We are not disappointed in the losses, we are disappointed in how we lost the games. We have to get much tougher mentally and physically and fight through pressure and our opponents runs. The understanding of UP (urgency and purpose) at both ends of the floor.
“We have a nice mix of seniors, juniors and a couple of sophomores who are all still figuring, developing and embracing their roles. We would like our defense to create more for our offense, as well as know when to push and know when to grind out a possession.”
Pal has been offered by St. Cloud State and Sam Houston State plus he’s earned interest from other programs.
“Pal has a full offer from St Cloud, he is talking to UMD. He told me Nebraska –Omaha, Sam Houston State contacted him last week well as a number of midwest JUCO’s.”