Potential Breakout Post Prospects Pt. 2

Minnesota has consistently been putting out talented post prospects, including a number of nationally ranked talents over the past few seasons. This winter the post talent will once again be strong, and these seven players look ready to take a big leap forward in their production from last season! [player_tooltip player_id="850704" first="Elvis" last="Nnaji"] (6’8 2022 PF, Hopkins)- Elvis has always had loads of potential with his rare combination of length and athletic abilities, and he’s slowly been turning that into increased production. This winter could be the season we see him leap into a big role at the varsity level for Hopkins. From what I’ve seen in the fall, Elvis looks a lot more comfortable playing on the ball. He can handle it a little, has shown off some impressive footwork on the block, and can hit the contested mid-range jumper. Add in his high energy defense and rebounding, as well as the threat he poses in transition, and you have a big man on the verge of a breakout. [player_tooltip player_id="958687" first="Payton" last="Mogire"] (6’8 2022 PF/C, Maple Grove)- Maple Grove has two talented post prospects that will be stepping up to the varsity level this winter, and Payton is the first that we’ll detail today. He possesses the size and athleticism that make him an intriguing prospect, and is continuing to develop his skills. Payton still has some improvements to make in the post, but I like his ability to stretch the floor and knock down the outside jumper. He runs the floor hard, works hard on the glass, and has proven during the AAU season that he can compete with and against high level competition. Rodrick Payne (6’7 2021 C, East Ridge)- It seems like every season East Ridge possesses a surplus of size. Due to their depth in the post it’s unclear just how big Rodrick’s role will be this season, but if it’s one thing I’ve learned from seeing him over the summer/fall, it’s that he’s ready to contribute at the varsity level. He has impressive size and strength while also being surprisingly agile and light on his feet. When he gets near the rim he’s a powerful leaper who can explode and finish at the rim, and he also has the ability to clear out space and dominate on the glass. Rodrick has shown flashes of footwork on the block while also showing that he can score with brute strength. Defensively he’s capable of clogging the lane and competing in the paint. [player_tooltip player_id="957621" first="Nico" last="Peterson"] (6’5 2021 PF, St. Paul Highland Park)- Nico had the most impressive stats of anyone on this list last season, averaging 14.7 points and 9.1 rebounds per game as a junior. However, I think this is the season where he gets even more aggressive and starts making a name for himself as a prospect. Though he’s shorter than everyone else on this list, he has a ridiculous wingspan that allows him to rebound, block shots, and finish at a very high level. Nico was an efficient scorer around the rim and also shot 35% from 3P. He’s also a major defensive presence having averaged 2.5 blocks per game, and even recording a season high of 10 on a single night. [player_tooltip player_id="962212" first="Boden" last="Kapke"] (6’10 2023 C, Holy Family)- Boden scored 3-4 baskets a night last season as a freshman, and now he’s added a few more inches, a bit more muscle, and added confidence scoring the ball. From what I’ve seen this summer he can score on the block with a simple turn over the left shoulder, he has a developing turnaround jumper from 7-10 feet, and is comfortable knocking down the open three. Due to his strength he’s able to clear space with a box out to go up and secure rebounds in bunches. [player_tooltip player_id="774765" first="Will" last="Kietzmann"] (7’ 2021 C, Maranatha)- Will might just be the biggest player in the state, and over the past year he’s become a little more skilled on the block. He averaged 2.9 ppg last season as a junior playing a small role for Maranatha, and could see that number rise along with his playing time as a senior. Though he doesn’t have a large arsenal of tools, he does possess a right hand baby hook that is nearly impossible to stop when he’s left isolated on the block. He turns over the left shoulder and is able to complete at a high percentage with the right hand. Although he’s not the most athletic player, he works hard to run the floor and move his feet on the defensive end. [player_tooltip player_id="962204" first="Lincoln" last="Palbicki"] (6’9 2023 C, Maple Grove)- The other Maple Grove big making the jump to varsity this year, Lincoln is a traditional center prospect. He has size, a solid frame, and a number of tools to work with on the block. Lincoln has a nice hook shot, solid footwork to create open looks, and patience to gather his balance before going up with a shot. I’ve also been impressed with his vision to spot cutters and deliver accurate passes leading them to the rim. Defensively he’s a hard worker who has good timing to block and contest shots, and is quick to initiate contact on the box out before going up and attacking the rebound.