Spring Open Period Preview – 2022 Center

<p>The center position in Minnesota has developing talent that college programs should keep their eyes on.  Here are those developing centers. </p> <p><strong>Attention D1 Programs!</strong></p> <p><strong><span class="name-pointer">[player_tooltip player_id="850704" first="Elvis" last="Nnaji"]</span></strong> – a 6’8 center from Hopkins and D1 Minnesota 16u.</p> <p>Comparison – Elvis reminds me a lot of Theo John at this age.  Similar height, build, and agility, Elvis can be that similar type of prospect as he is close to where Theo was at the same age. </p> <p>Why does that name sound familiar? Elvis is the cousin of Arizona standout Zeke Nnaji</p> <p><iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/o9dO8sELOw0" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b>[player_tooltip player_id="850712" first="Malcolm" last="Jones"]</b>– a 6’8 center from Prior Lake and D1 Minnesota 16u.</p> <p>Comparison – This is somewhat lazy but I couldn’t think of a better comparison than Robert Jones as Malcolm has such a similar build and mobility level.  Malcolm seems similar in low post agility at this age though.  </p> <p>Why does that name sound familiar? Malcolm is the younger brother of Denver starting center Robert Jones.</p> <p>[embed]https://twitter.com/FreshCoastHoops/status/1187021881788030976[/embed]</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><span class="name-pointer">[player_tooltip player_id="850714" first="Brady" last="Nicholson"]</span></strong> – a 6’8 center from Chaska and Minnesota Fury 17u.</p> <p>Comparison – In terms of size, hands, and deep elbows placed from a strong body I think Brady can be a similar player to what we saw [player_tooltip player_id="846139" first="Jalen" last="Travis"].  Jalen had a great year and would of been a scholarship hooper but he’s got a football body and a hunger for the Princeton education he is going to get.  Brady could be a similar player. </p> <p>Why does that name sound familiar? Brady is the younger brother of Northern Colorado now UMD transfer Cole Nicholson.</p> <p>[embed]https://twitter.com/RyanJamesMN/status/1223793994854998018[/embed]</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><span class="name-pointer">[player_tooltip player_id="850705" first="Blessed" last="Barhayiga"]</span></strong> – a 6’8 center from Osseo and Team Get Shook.</p> <p>Comparison – In watching Blessed this winter I thought back to a young Justin Dahl who is now at Northern Iowa.  About the same size and getting bigger, able to help the team but at times still raw and learning trying to move to the play.  </p> <p>Why does that name sound familiar? Blessed was the regular center playing for Osseo this year in the middle. </p> <p>[embed]https://twitter.com/FreshCoastHoops/status/1176903189171462149[/embed]</p> <p>[embed]https://twitter.com/FreshCoastHoops/status/1176903189171462149[/embed]</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Names to Know</strong></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="796948" first="Brandon" last="Melchior"] (6’8) of Elk River. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="958691" first="Logan" last="Schmidt"] (6’8) of Eagan. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="958649" first="Carson" last="Woodford"] (6’7) of Redwood Valley.</p>