The Prep Scene
While the Minnesota Timberwolves are on the verge of one of their most memorable playoff runs in team history, a few former metro area players are also involved in the NBA postseason.
Here are the players, along with their positions, NBA, college, and high school teams, and a brief summary of their careers.
Chet Holmgren, 7’1” center, Oklahoma Thunder, Gonzaga University, Minnehaha Academy
Holmgren had an outstanding season and is an NBA Rookie of the Year favorite. Before embarking on an outstanding one-year stint in college, he led his school to four state boys basketball championships while earning Mr. Basketball and McDonald All-American honors in 2021.
Jalen Suggs, 6’4”guard, Orlando Magic, Gonzaga University, Minnehaha Academy
The third year appears to be the charm, as Suggs has developed into one of the league’s most talented guards. Before starring for one collegiate season while leading his team to a runner-up finish in the 2021 NCAA Final Four, he led his high school team to three consecutive state titles, capturing Mr. Basketball honors and selection to the McDonald’s All-American honors in 2020.
Zeke Nnaji, 6’9” forward, Denver Nuggets, University of Arizona, Hopkins High School
Nnaji has played a valuable role in his team’s defense of an NBA title this season. Before his outstanding season in college, he led his high school to the Class 4A championship in 2019, averaging 24.1 points per game.
Amir Coffey, 6’7” guard, Los Angeles Clippers, University of Minnesota, Hopkins High School
Coffey became a valuable member of his NBA team during his fifth season. Before an outstanding three-year collegiate career, he led his high school to the Class 4A state championship in 2016, the same year he was named Mr. Basketball and the Star Tribune Player of the Year.
Jericho Sims, 6’10” forward, New York Knicks, University of Texas, Cristo Rey Jesuit High School
Sims had a promising start to his NBA career despite a series of injuries. Before his outstanding three-year collegiate career, he finished high school as his school’s all-time leading scorer.
Kendall Brown, 6’7” guard, Indiana Pacers, Baylor University, East Ridge High School, Sunrise Christian Academy
After signing a two-way contract in 2022 and another in 2023, Brown signed a multi-year contract with the Indiana Pacers in March 2024. Before playing in his only collegiate season, he led his high school team to its first-ever state tournament appearance. He transferred after that season and was named to the McDonald’s All-American team.