Jammin In July: The Stock Risers

<p>Some of Minnesota’s top AAU programs were in Iowa over the weekend competing in Jammin In July. With a gym packed full of big name prospects and some sleeper players, these seven prospects saw their stock rise due to their performances. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="957153" first="Andrew" last="Chisley"] (6’6 2021 F, MN Select Ohnstad 17u)- </strong>I caught four of Select’s games over the weekend, and [player_tooltip player_id="957153" first="Andrew" last="Chisley"] was consistently productive in each and every one of those games. Chisley used his strong frame to be one of the most productive paint scorers I saw, finishing at a high rate around the rim. He also impressed with his ability to step outside and occasionally create his own shot off one or two dribbles, knocking down the three ball at a solid rate. I always knew Andrew had the strength to compete in the paint, but his improved perimeter game is what put him on this list.</p> <p><strong>Patrick Bath (6’9 2023 C, D1 Minnesota 15u)- </strong>Patrick Bath recently transferred to Totino-Grace, and figures to be one of the top 2023 bigs in the state. However, he was able to prove just how good he could be over the weekend. He possesses a lanky frame at 6’9 but was able to fight through some contact to finish around the rim. Patrick ran the floor really well for a post player of his age, and looked comfortable handling the ball. Bath also showed off his ability to knock down open threes, and was one of the better shot blockers I saw over the weekend.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850705" first="Blessed" last="Barhayiga"] (6’9 2022 C, Howard Pulley 16u)- </strong>The promising 2022 big man showed some flashes of potential playing against 17u competition. Blessed has a strong frame that’s enough to catch one’s eye, and he displayed great hands receiving post entries and snatching just about every rebound in his area. Although he didn’t put up huge scoring numbers, he showed a soft touch around the rim, finishing his looks at a high percentage. Blessed showed flashes of improved post footwork, and as he continues to improve that aspect of his game, he could become a dangerous isolation post scorer.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="957618" first="Mo" last="Hammadelniel"] (6’2 2021 G, D1 MN Prospects 17u)- </strong>In a tough matchup against Minnesota Select Ohnstad, Mo came firing out of the gates by scoring 10 of his 14 points in the first 16 minutes of competition. Opposing guards found it hard to contain Mo off the dribble, as he was able to blow by to finish or create enough separation to get off an outside jumper. With an athletic 6’2 frame combined with his skillset, he’s a player who could see his stock continue to grow over the summer.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="774738" first="Jaelen" last="Treml"] (6’4 2021 G, MN Select Ohnstad 17u)- </strong>The Hopkins guard has always been regarded as one of the top guards in the 2021 class, and over the weekend we had a chance to see him lead his team as a point guard. At 6’4 he offered tremendous positional size, and it was his defensive efforts that stood out most. Jaelen was constantly seen picking up opposing ball handlers full court, drawing charges, and picking up five second calls with his aggressive style of play. Offensively he looked composed running the offense, was knocking down his open looks, and finished around the rim in a variety of ways. Scholarship schools should follow closely this summer.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="774754" first="Zac" last="Thomas"] (6’7 2021 F, MN Heat Tauer 17u)- </strong>Another player who may not have put up huge numbers but definitely impressed this weekend was [player_tooltip player_id="774754" first="Zac" last="Thomas"]. The 6’7 forward came off the bench for the Heat and was a versatile piece on defense. He was comfortable guarding opposing bigs on the block or stepping out and guarding wings from time to time. Offensively he has a soft touch to finish around the rim, and showcased his ability to step outside and hit mid-range or three point shots.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="774901" first="Jackson" last="Purcell"] (6’4 2021 G, MN Select Ohnstad 17u)- </strong>Another Select player who I think could be playing his way into the Division 2 conversation is [player_tooltip player_id="774901" first="Jackson" last="Purcell"]. He has a great frame for a guard at 6’4, coupled with some explosive athleticism to elevate around the rim. He was one of Select’s more consistent shooting threats from outside, and was a threat to attack the basket off the dribble where he can power through contact or finesse around defenders in the air to finish.</p>