Five 2023 Players Ready To Contribute
A new school year has begun, and that means a new crop of talented prospects has entered the high school level. It can be difficult to predict just how much a freshman will be able to contribute during their varsity…
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Continue ReadingA new school year has begun, and that means a new crop of talented prospects has entered the high school level. It can be difficult to predict just how much a freshman will be able to contribute during their varsity team, but based on observations in the AAU season and early fall play, these five look ready to make an impact.
Taison Chatman (6’3 2023 G, Totino-Grace)- Taison had a big summer competing with DTA Academy, at national exposure camps, and during summer events with Totino-Grace. There isn’t one thing that stands out about Taison’s game, and that’s because he already excels at so many aspects of the game. He’s bouncy and quick, has great length as a freshman, can knock down deep shots, gets to the basket with ease, and has great passing vision. In some of the Breakdown Sports summer events, Taison was already seen playing at a high level against high school upperclassmen, which bodes well for the high school season. He’ll be surrounded by a young but talented squad at Totino-Grace, where there will be plenty of talent around him on the floor. With guys like Devin Burger and DJ Akpati to play alongside of, Taison will be a key player in one of the metro’s most talented young lineups.
Maxsamus Wilson (6’2 2023 G, South St. Paul)- The future looks bright at South St. Paul as one of the state’s most promising freshmen in Maxsamus Wilson has enrolled in high school there. After averaging 10.7 ppg as an 8th grader playing with Brooklyn Center, Max has already proven that he can be a varsity contributor. He’s a marksman from outside who knocked down 35 three pointers in his 20 varsity games last year. To go along with his shooting touch, Max is a great facilitator who has a knack for dropping flashy dimes that catch defenders off guard. He can be an instant contributor on a young team looking to climb the ranks in the Metro East Conference.
Lincoln Palbicki (6’9 2023 C, Maple Grove)- It’s always hard to know if a freshman will be able to come in and compete for a school has big as Maple Grove, especially with their consistent success on the court. That being said, Maple Grove lost all 3 of their double figure scorers from last year’s state qualifying team, and their tallest returning player stands at 6’5. Lincoln brings in the height and strength that could prove useful in matching up with conference bigs like Dain Dainja (Park Center) and Blessed Barhayiga (Osseo). Lincoln has a soft finishing touch down low, can finish above the rim, and is an all around physical presence in the paint on both ends. He’s an intriguing player who we’ll have a chance to get a better look at this weekend at the Top 250 Expo.
Quyavant Douglas (6′ 2023 G, Brooklyn Center)- Quyavant put up incredible scoring numbers as an 8th grader at Brooklyn Center, averaging 17.4 ppg last year. With 33 points against Park, 20 against St. Paul Central, and 23 against Totino-Grace, Douglas proved he can play at a high level against tough competition. He’s one of the most explosive leapers in the class, and despite measuring in at 6′ he can throw down some hard dunks off of two feet. With a nose for getting to the rim, he is a crafty finisher that also excels at getting to the free throw line (shot 89-121 last year). Brooklyn Center returns with a new look team after losing their head coach and a few key players, but Quyavant’s production will likely return for a big freshman season.
Ibo El-Amin (5’10 2023 PG, Burnsville)- After an 8th grade year that saw him contributing for the Hopkins JV team, Ibo is taking his talents to Burnsville for his high school days. Though not as tall as some of the other highly regarded guards in his grade, Ibo makes up for it with explosive athletic ability. He possesses a dangerous pull-up jumper, both from beyond the arc and in the mid-range. In the few times I’ve seen him play, Ibo has displayed a clutch gene, and loves to have the ball in his hands during crunch time. Ibo is a player that can play within an offense, but when needed can go and get a bucket in isolation play. It’s still hard to know for sure what his role will be as a freshman, but Ibo is an electric scorer who’s progress over the next four years will be fun to watch.