The Last Dance: Minnesota Frontcourt Standouts

Seven big men who impressed last weekend in Chicago at The Last Dance!   Auvon Sager (6'6 2023 PF, Real Phenom)- Auvon looks ready to play a big role at Minneapolis North as a senior, as he's a strong and physical post presence who also has some game on the perimeter. I was really impressed with his footwork, particularly a spin move that he was able to utilize both out of the block and off the dribble drive. With his physical frame in the paint he's able to back his man down into deep position and use his soft touch to finish around the rim. His range extends out to beyond the arc though where he's a catch and shoot threat and is able to do some damage in the pick & pop. Thought he handled the ball well in space and has the skill to take an offensive rebound and start initiating the break on his own. Solid rebounding presence with the ability to stand his ground in the paint against size.   [player_tooltip player_id='1284106' first='Chiang' last='Ring'] (6'8 2024 PF/C, Minnesota Spartans)- As expected, [player_tooltip player_id='1284106' first='Chiang' last='Ring'] was once again a dominant shot blocking presence inside. His combination of length, quickness off the floor, and timing on his jumps allows him to get a hand on shots that most defenders wouldn't. Even if a quick guard is able to get by him, Chiang is so good at covering ground with a long stride before elevating off two feet to block their shot from behind. Did a lot of his damage on offense with quick cuts on the baseline leading to dump offs or alley-oops. In their final game against Midwest Basketball Club Chiang was able to showcase his expanded offensive game, stepping out for jumpers and even taking his man off the dribble and converting through contact around the rim. Over the weekend he once again solidified his status as one of the better bigs in the state of Minnesota.   [player_tooltip player_id='1140498' first='Chet' last='Kloss'] (6'6 2023 PF, Minnesota Chill)- Chet came away from the weekend with an offer from Waldorf, as they liked what they saw from the physical and versatile forward. At 6'6 he's able to push guys around on the block, defensively making it difficult for opposing bigs to catch down low, while offensively he's able to establish deep position before going to work on the block. Chet can do some off the dribble in terms of driving, but you'll never see him force a play that isn't there. He's just a tough finisher inside who can find his opportunities cutting to the basket or fighting for rebounds, but is also a threat to step out and hit threes. Chet consistently rebounds the ball at a high level, is vocal defensively, and you'll never see him get outworked for a loose ball.   [player_tooltip player_id='1161947' first='Joshua' last='Ofori'] (6'7 2023 F, Minnesota Heat MacDonald)- Early in his career Ofori tried to do a lot on the perimeter and although he was still effective, I think he's really found his role as a hard worker around the rim. He just plays as hard as anyone I've seen all summer, and it leads to efficient offensive production while also ending opposing teams' possessions on the other end. If the ball comes off the rim in his area you can bet he's going to get two hands on it to secure possession, and if he isn't able to he's going to do everything he can to poke the ball free and give one of his teammates a chance to secure it. Ofori runs the floor so hard and with his size and athleticism he's an above the rim threat when he has some space to elevate. Showed he can still take guys off the dribble from the wing, but also has an improved game with his back to the basket. Strong and gritty presence around the basket who produced at a high level in both games I watched.   [player_tooltip player_id='1223084' first='Carson' last='Kunz'] (6'5 2023 F, Northstar Titans Terhaar)- Carson is one of the best rebounders you'll find below 6'6. He just has a nose for the ball and seems to know where it's going to come off the rim after every shot. Carson has a strong frame that allows him box out and maintain his position against bigger forwards before he explodes off the ground for a rebound. Does a nice job of always securing the ball with two hands before looking for an outlet. Offensively he can attack off the dribble and is a solid finisher who can explode off of two feet around the basket.   [player_tooltip player_id='1339196' first='Aeron' last='Stevens'] (6'7 2023 PF, Minnesota Lightning)- Aeron continues to play his way to more offers with the latest one coming from Bemidji State. He's a strong yet agile forward prospect with some inside-out ability. Aeron has shown he can step out and hit the open jumper but is also so good at making quick cuts off the ball to put himself into positions to score around the rim. Against Iowa Barnstormers, Aeron played a key role in holding one of the best players in Iowa to well below his scoring average as he has good mobility at his size to defend. I've seen Stevens excel in a variety of roles this spring/summer as he's someone willing to do whatever is asked of him to help his team win games.   [player_tooltip player_id='1225623' first='Ryan' last='Heise'] (6'8 2023 F, Minnesota Lightning)- Wasn't really sure whether to include Heise as a wing or post because he can do both, but he did spend a lot of time defending opposing bigs so I'll include him in this list. Ryan is listed at 6'8 and he looks to be every inch of that as he's incredibly long but possesses the mobility to still play outside. Even though he gave up some weight against opposing bigs, I like how he was still fighting for position down low and was able to take some shots while still utilizing his length to alter looks inside. Offensively he's a threat that has to be accounted for from beyond the arc, and he also does a good job of running the floor as he possesses solid mobility for his size.

Seven big men who impressed last weekend in Chicago at The Last Dance!