BleedGopher
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per Marcus:
A year ago, former local prep stars Chet Holmgren (Minnehaha Academy), David Roddy (Breck School) and Kendall Brown (East Ridge) were picked in the 2022 NBA Draft, making 12 Minnesotans drafted since 2015 — and all but three of them taken in the 202-2022 drafts.)
Holmgren, the No. 2 overall pick by Oklahoma City last year, was the highest drafted Minnesotan ever, surpassing Gophers legend Kevin McHale of Hibbing going No. 3 to Boston in 1980.
It was also the second straight year when players from the land of 10,000 ballers — I mean, 10,000 lakes — were selected in the top five, following Holmgren's fellow Minnehaha Academy and Gonzaga star Jalen Suggs, who Orlando picked No. 5 in 2021.
The question now is who the next players will be to continue the pipeline from Minnesota to the NBA draft? Will it be a member of the Gophers or someone playing elsewhere?
Here are my top 10 NBA prospects from Minnesota prior to the 2023-24 college season, listed in alphabetical order:
Dawson Garcia, 6-11 forward, Gophers (Prior Lake) – The only player on this list once listed on mock drafts. On NBA radar since his days as a McDonald's All-American in 2020. But Garcia likely needs a breakout year with more team success under third-year coach Ben Johnson to remind folks he's still a next-level talent.
Pharrel Payne, 6-9 forward, Gophers (Park of Cottage Grove) – No Big Ten freshman was more physically imposing than the 255-pound Payne, who led the Gophers with 35 dunks. He averaged nearly 15 points and seven rebounds in his last five starts over 22 minutes last season. Just imagine if he adds a consistent jumper.
www.startribune.com
Go Gophers!!
A year ago, former local prep stars Chet Holmgren (Minnehaha Academy), David Roddy (Breck School) and Kendall Brown (East Ridge) were picked in the 2022 NBA Draft, making 12 Minnesotans drafted since 2015 — and all but three of them taken in the 202-2022 drafts.)
Holmgren, the No. 2 overall pick by Oklahoma City last year, was the highest drafted Minnesotan ever, surpassing Gophers legend Kevin McHale of Hibbing going No. 3 to Boston in 1980.
It was also the second straight year when players from the land of 10,000 ballers — I mean, 10,000 lakes — were selected in the top five, following Holmgren's fellow Minnehaha Academy and Gonzaga star Jalen Suggs, who Orlando picked No. 5 in 2021.
The question now is who the next players will be to continue the pipeline from Minnesota to the NBA draft? Will it be a member of the Gophers or someone playing elsewhere?
Here are my top 10 NBA prospects from Minnesota prior to the 2023-24 college season, listed in alphabetical order:
Dawson Garcia, 6-11 forward, Gophers (Prior Lake) – The only player on this list once listed on mock drafts. On NBA radar since his days as a McDonald's All-American in 2020. But Garcia likely needs a breakout year with more team success under third-year coach Ben Johnson to remind folks he's still a next-level talent.
Pharrel Payne, 6-9 forward, Gophers (Park of Cottage Grove) – No Big Ten freshman was more physically imposing than the 255-pound Payne, who led the Gophers with 35 dunks. He averaged nearly 15 points and seven rebounds in his last five starts over 22 minutes last season. Just imagine if he adds a consistent jumper.
Minnesota to the NBA: Who could be in the next group making the jump?
A three-year streak of Minnesota natives picked in the NBA draft ended last week. Two Gophers (and a former U player) are among the top candidates who could be next in line from the state.
www.startribune.com
Go Gophers!!
