Beckham Nelson Beckham Nelson 6'1" | PG Minnetonka | 2029 State MN – Nelson is a six-foot-one-inch 2029 guard from Minnetonka that joined D1 Minnesota 3SSB for a couple 3SSB tournament events. Nelson can switch either guard positions and is a very unselfish guard that shows good passing vision. Nelson when operating with the ball puts pressure on the defense with his dribble and in ball screen action he navigates defenses with relative ease.

Played for both D1 Minnesota and Bearstail this year and was the best guard on each team when he played. Nelson is one of the more well rounded young guards we have seen for this age, polished is a good way to put it. Good attack, really good moving the ball off the attack, high percentage finisher at guard in the three areas, and plays pretty hard.

Fearless hustle player who was always the first to the floor, willing to sacrifice his body for loose balls and extra possessions. Defensively, Beckham Nelson was a lockdown presence, applying immense pressure on the ball along the perimeter, stonewalling drives, and allowing virtually no separation with his lateral quickness and disciplined footwork. Offensively, Nelson picked and chose his spots well while playing at his own pace, orchestrating the offense, dictating the tempo, and getting everyone involved. A drive-and-kick specialist, he consistently drew attention, collapsed defenses, and created clean perimeter looks for teammates. He routinely delivered on-time, on-target skip passes, one-handed live-dribble lasers, and drive-and-spray assists to shooters spaced along the wings and corners. Nelson always looked to make the right play with the ball, dribbling only when necessary while displaying a remarkable ability to process the game both off the bounce and out of the triple-threat position.

Beckham had an outstanding weekend for Bearstail, leading them to the 15U title. He is a well rounded 6-foot-1 guard prospect, one of the top ranked in Minnesota. He was great at creating off the dribble, finding the open teammate or hunting for his own shot, where he can score from all three levels. Nelson was also bringing the energy for his team, which was contagious.

-First points of the game for Bearstail, space & shoot triple

-Deep long range, hit from NBA depth

-Showed off the handles against extreme pressure from a stud athlete

-Quick reaction steal in press defense, scoop & score

-Skip assist to Eli for a 3-pointer, great find

-Pressure D up by halfcourt, picked off a pass, sharp reactions like a smart DB, breakout layup the other way

-Jumped a ball-screen, ripped the ball away like taking candy from a baby, assist to Wavrin for a 2-handed DUNK

-Pickpocket on-ball steal, has the hands of a thief

-Drive, nasty spin-move, dish to AJ for a score

-Rip-steal on-ball to start the 2nd half

-Collected a long O-board, assist to a cutting Wavrin

-Cross-court skip to Eli for a three-pointer-

-O-board, elevated over the D

-Crazy tough runner-score with D all in his face, big bucket

Alongside Elliott Thompson Elliott Thompson 6'1" | CG Minnetonka | 2029 State MN running the point for Bearstail Basketball was Beckham Nelson Beckham Nelson 6'1" | PG Minnetonka | 2029 State MN . Nelson is a true floor general with a tight handle, lateral quickness, and impressive vision to spot open teammates. Beckham is so dangerous coming off screens as he can hit his big rolling to the hoop, can skip a crosscourt pass to a shooter, or explode downhill to get to the rim and finish. At a young age Beckham already has great change of speed, and defenders found it difficult to stick in front of him throughout the game. He racked up assist after assist in a big opening game win for his team.

-12 points

-Hustled for an O-board, early extra possession

-Post-up, physical to the rim, AND1 finish, tough

-Hit the FT for a 3-point play

-Catch & shoot triple from the right wing, all net

-Loose ball O-board

-Long O-board, in the right place at the right time

-Another long offensive rebound

-Sharp assist to Barman when breaking the press

-Catch & shoot NBA triple, all-net

-Catch & cash 3point from the left wing, swish, lead is up to 8 w/ 9:20 remaining

-BLOB assist to Barman

-Another opportunistic offensive board

-Space & shoot triple, soft shot, college range, up 2 points w/ 3:45 remaining

-Assist late to a cutting Kerzmann

Good size and build at the point guard position, allowing him to absorb contact and maintain balance in tight spaces, showing elite footwork, whether off one or two feet, he got the same result, he consistently found a way to finish, getting to his spots and converting at the rim. Nelson displayed a strong understanding of pace and deceleration, especially in traffic or closing windows. Beckham Nelson Beckham Nelson 6'1" | PG Minnetonka | 2029 State MN polished hop steps, stride stops, and sudden brakes to keep defenders off balance and create clean finishing angles, converting comfortably off two feet, giving him control, stability, and the ability to adjust midair or through contact to complete plays.

Nelson is quickly making a name for himself as one of the top young guards in the Midwest. Ranked as the #1 point guard in MN’s ’29 class & sitting 11th overall, Beckham backed up the hype with an impressive frosh season at Minnetonka (4A), competing in the always-tough Lakes Conference. Starting every game as a frosh & averaging double figures is no small feat, and it speaks to both his talent & confidence at a young age. Nelson is a gifted shooter who can space the floor, but what really separates him is his competitiveness & impact on both ends. He’s a fierce competitor who brings intensity every possession & takes pride in being a true 2way player. Nelson’s ability to lead, score & defend makes him one of the more complete guards in his class. This baller is the real deal, and PHD is excited to see the MN native team up with Barman and company moving forward.