Prospect Report: Cole Minetree (2019)
Photo Credit: @ ASAALLSTAR2014
At 6-foot-6, Cole Minetree has naturally found himself hovering around the paint on both sides of the ball, while polishing his mid-range game. His exceptional length also allows him to get to the basket in one or two steps after receiving an inlet pass.
When Minetree receives the ball on the block, he establishes position, recognizes where the defender is and then makes his move. His repertoire includes a baby-J hook shot that is smooth as butter and a power dribble that moves defenders out of his way.
Before heading into the summer, Minetree recognized that he needed to extend his game out to the perimeter if he wanted to be more effective in his upcoming senior campaign, and beyond.
“I realized that I really need to expand my game,” Minetree said. “I have a good mid-range, but at the next level, and to really help my high school team, I need to expand my range – so I’m working on that.”
The forward has also been working on his lateral quickness to give him the ability to defend smaller opponents on the wing. Adding these two additions to his already impressive inside game will make Minetree a tough player to maintain.
“I’m also working on lateral quickness to guard guards,” Minetree said. “I traditionally was a four, so I played in the post and had to guard in the post a fair amount, but for college and next year in high school, with the system that James River runs, I need to guard guards.”
Minetree played a full AAU schedule with Team Richmond Garner Road this spring/fall to accompany several showcases and has a multitude of strong Division III programs expressing their interest. Majority of the schools are located in Pennsylvania and Maryland.
Out of all the schools that Minetree has chatted with thus far, York College (PA) stands out the most. However, he is keeping an open mind.
“Right now, I really like York College,” Minetree said. “Just because the way they are coached, the way that they run their program, and also, they win.
“But I’m really open to anything, honestly.”
Minetree will be rocking a James River uniform in his final season and has a lot to be excited about with the talent that is coming back. The Rapids are returning a few college-bound players in addition to Minetree, giving them plenty of potential for the 2018-2019 season.