Top 250 Expo - Max's Post Standouts

The Minnesota Top 250 Expo was loaded with talent all under one roof last weekend at Wayzata! From some of the biggest names in the state to prospects flying under-the-radar, these are some of the top post performers I saw play throughout the day. [player_tooltip player_id="850712" first="Malcolm" last="Jones"] (6’8 2022 C, Prior Lake)- Arguably the most productive 2022 big man in the metro last season, Malcolm is a double-double producer just about every time he steps on the floor. May not possess traditional center height, but is so strong and plays with physicality down low. In the first game of the day I saw him move defenders off the block with ease to create a clean look at the rim, and defensively he stood his ground with no problem. Malcolm threw down two dunks but also showed the shooting touch that forces defenders to guard him beyond the arc. I like the way he runs the floor hard to beat opposing bigs to the rim, and he also showed some passing vision to hit cutting wings from the block. [player_tooltip player_id="958709" first="Patrick" last="Ebeling"] (6’10 2022 C, Totino-Grace)- Malcolm’s teammate during the event was PJ Ebeling, one of the more under-the-radar true centers in the state. The size is immediately noticeable, but PJ is more than just a 6’10 player taking up space in the lane. He showed touch around the rim with both hands, including a couple of tough finishes catching a pass in stride and keeping it up high to finish in traffic. If he catches on the block and you don’t throw a double team at him, he can execute a simple turn over either shoulder and use a baby hook to finish right at the rim. Because of his strength he can gain his balance easily on the block even when defenders try to get physical with him, meaning a 1v1 look in the post often leads to a high percentage shot. I also thought he rebounded the ball well in his area and did a good job of locating a body to box-out instead of relying on his size. [player_tooltip player_id="1248324" first="Erik" last="Ryan"] (6’7 2023 PF, Lakeville North)- Lakeville North is going to be set for size over the next two seasons, with a number of skilled players 6’7+. One of those prospects is [player_tooltip player_id="1248324" first="Erik" last="Ryan"], who put in a strong performance on Saturday afternoon. Standing at 6’7, Erik isn’t a traditional post who sits on the block. He showed that he’s a floor stretching big who knocked down a pair of threes, including one off the dribble. The handle looked tight for a player of his size, and you could tell he’s a confident shooter who isn’t going to pass up on an open look. Looks ready to step into some varsity minutes this winter as a junior. [player_tooltip player_id="962297" first="Pal" last="Wal"] (6’5 2023 F, Albert Lea)- When it came to defensive performances at the Expo, Pal threw his name in there for one of the best. Though his height doesn’t stand out in the post, he’s mobile and has long arms that form a potent shot-blocking threat. I saw at least three times in one game Pal move his feet to get into perfect help-side position before elevating to swat a shot. He shows great timing that allows him to get a hand on the ball without fouling, a skill necessary to keep him on the floor and away from foul trouble. [player_tooltip player_id="850704" first="Elvis" last="Nnaji"] (6’8 2022 PF/C, Hopkins)- At times Elvis’ athleticism and frame seem like a cheat code at the high school level. The energy he brings to the floor is unmatched, and when he got some space into the open floor he was putting on a show that got his bench on their feet. Whether it was the windmill dunk in the first half, or the shot-fake into a one hand slam over the top of a defender in the second half, Elvis simply put on a show. He’s able to outrun just about any big in the state in transition, but he also seems to create his own transition opportunities with steals once or twice a game. The handle looks a little tighter, he’s as confident as ever offensively, and he has no problem guarding just about any spot on the floor on defense. [player_tooltip player_id="1144098" first="Mitchell" last="Degen"] (6’5 2022 PF, Brainerd)- Mitchell has some mismatch nightmare potential up in Brainerd this winter. At 6’5 he’s very light on his feet and a mobile athlete who showed the ability to take guys off the dribble and get to the rim. Runs the floor hard for a big to pick up some transition buckets, and I also liked the patience he played with on the block. Was able to recognize when a double team was coming to quickly locate a pass, or know when he had the room to go to work. In the first half he had a nice shimmy faking to his right, and then turning over the left shoulder to score with his right hand off the glass. [player_tooltip player_id="1140498" first="Chet" last="Kloss"] (6’6 2023 PF, Eastview)- Chet is one of the most versatile frontcourt prospects in the 2023 class. He has some size and can do a little bit of everything offensively. Finishes at a high level around the rim, but he also flashed the jumper that was hitting from three or mid-range. If he grabs a defensive board he’s skilled enough to bring it up the floor, but can also hustle down to the block and go to work in the post. Like how he competes defensively and brings an element of toughness to the floor. Drew Burau (6’5 2022 PF, HLWW)- Drew Burau is the type of post that comes in and just works hard to produce. Won’t be the most skilled or explosive player on the floor, but will constantly find ways to contribute. Whether it’s boxing out bigger players to grab boards, or battling to get into winning position on the block so that he can get off a high percentage look, he does whatever it takes. Because of this effort we saw him contributing to his team’s success with efficiency on offense and some strong rebounding performances. Also flashed a bit of footwork in the post.