Minnesota Prep Academy Prospect Breakdown

Last night Minnesota Prep Academy returned home to the Twin Cities with a game against North Metro Blazers! These are my observations on all nine MPA players who played, as well as one standout from the Blazers! [player_tooltip player_id="846132" first="Puoch" last="Dobuol"] (6’8 2021 F)- After a standout season at St. Cloud Apollo last year, Pouch is now showcasing his game on the Grind Session with Minnesota Prep. Loaded with an intriguing blend of length, explosiveness, and the ability to handle the ball, Pouch was dominant around the rim. He slashed from the wing off the dribble for multiple dunks, was forcing turnovers to get out in transition for easy scores, and created some opportunities for dunks with his off-ball movement. Though normally a shooting threat, his shot wasn’t falling last night so he adjusted and started to focus on getting to the rim. Although the shot wasn’t falling, I still liked what I saw with his ability to create space in isolation off the dribble, or use his handle to get by his defender and attack. He also used his length to block two shots on the night. [player_tooltip player_id="958816" first="Akeem" last="Nelson"] (6’ 2023 PG)- I really liked the improvements that Akeem has made since I saw him last in the fall. He came out aggressive and more confidence, and that started with a finish at the rim off the jump ball. Defensively he was constantly applying ball pressure, forcing turnovers and loose balls all night long as he came up with 8 steals. On the offensive end he showcased an improved jumper, and was able to break his man down to get into the paint to score. Akeem also had one of the best passes I’ve seen all winter, threading a bounce pass through a tight window with just enough spin on it to hit his teammate perfectly in stride. DJ Jefferson (6’5 2022 W)- DJ didn’t get a whole lot of playing time as MPA was focusing on getting some other guys more minutes, but he still flashed the ability that makes him a high major prospect. His willingness to sit deep in a stance and move his feet defensively, combined with his size and athleticism makes him a versatile defender. On the offensive end he flashed the ability to finish with ease in transition with either hand, and in the half-court he was capable of creating space with a limited amount of dribbles. Gob Gob (6’3 2022 PG)- Fresh off a Wichita State offer, Gob was another player who saw limited minutes on the night. In the time he got, Gob used his long wingspan to create turnovers and then turn that defense into offense. His ability to elevate and throw down in transition is something you don’t often see from point guards, but Gob brings that blend of length and athleticism to the table. What sets him apart from other guards is his feel for the game, and ability to change up his pace to catch defenders off guard. He can quickly hesitate and then blow by his man to create in the lane, or he can get his defender shuffling backwards and just pull-up for a clean jumper. [player_tooltip player_id="846126" first="Odier" last="Olange"] (6’7 2021 SF)- Another player oozing with potential, Odier has put in some strong performances on the Grind Session this winter playing against a lot of scholarship level talent. Didn’t play much last night, but had a highlight dunk in transition, taking off from outside the lane and gliding through the air for a one-hand slam. I also like his potential defensively at the next level as he’s able to move well laterally and take up so much space with his length. Donovan Bratton (6’ 2024 G)- Donovan is another player who came into this game with more confidence than I had seen before. He looked comfortable hitting shots off the catch and even pulling up off one or two dribbles. Donovan also has a long and lanky frame that suggests some promise on the defensive end. Unfortunately he came off limping and missed some time, but the freshman showed some promise as a shooter over stretches. Jalyn Patterson (5’6 2025 PG)- Unfortunately Jalyn’s time was limited due to a back injury, but in his short time on the floor he showcased an advanced handle that has allowed him to compete against players mostly 3-4 years older than him. He’s so shifty with the ball and plays with a nice change of pace allowing him to create space to get off a jumper or blow by his man to get into the rim. The 8th grader is loaded with confidence, and it will be exciting to watch him continue to improve over the coming years. Brenden Moss (6’4 2022 SG)- I love the spark that Brenden brings to the floor for this Minnesota Prep team. Whether it be in the starting lineup or coming off the bench, Brenden always seems to be an efficient scoring threat. The 6’4 lefty has a sweet stroke from three, and shoots it at a high percentage. Outside of his range, last night he showcased the ability to get to the rim in transition and half-court settings. He was aggressive trying to elevate and finish with authority, a trait that could become scary once he gets into a college strength program. Awer Awer (6’7 2022 SF)- Awer Awer has plenty of potential as a 2022 prospect. He’s long, agile, and has a strong frame that makes him a versatile player defensively. He can guard power forwards with his strength but also has the ability to move his feet to defend on the wings. Awer excels at filling his lane and running the floor in transition to pick up some easy looks, and is also capable of attacking the rim from the wing. In the half-court Awer adds in the ability to hit the open jumper, and with more playing time to grow his chemistry with his new team, he could become a dangerous player. Josh Hoffman (6’3 2022 G, North Metro Blazers)- Still hoping to hear back from his coach for confirmation on his name (hoping I heard correctly during starting line-up introductions) and grade, but from what I saw last night he’s worthy of some looks from college programs. The North Metro Blazers is a Twin Cities club team for home schooled student-athletes. Josh looked to be roughly 6’3 and was an athletic guard prospect who has the frame to play on the wing, but handled the ball well for his team. He was aggressive attacking D1 offered players and getting to the rim for some tough finishes over length. Josh also flashed some impressive shooting range, and a lot of toughness and confidence in his game. He also wasn’t afraid to step out and guard some of MPA’s top players. Could be an intriguing deep sleeper prospect.