2015-16 Minnesota Preseason Boys Basketball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard
1. Apple ValleyHead coach: Zach Goring
2014-15 record: 30-2
Who knew the Apple Valley basketball program would get even better after the departure of Tyus Jones? That's exactly what happened last season, as the Eagles won their second state title in three years and look forward to perhaps their best team ever in 2015-16. Leading the way will be scorer extraordinaire
Gary Trent Jr. (6-5, Jr., G), who helped USA Basketball win a gold medal over the summer in Argentina.
Brock Bertram (6-10, Sr., C) and Tyus' little brother
Tre Jones (6-0, So., G) – who already has a Duke offer – are also difference-makers.
See last season's Minnesota boys basketball computer rankings2. Hopkins (Minnetonka)Head coach: Ken Novak
2014-15 record: 23-7
A healthy
Amir Coffey (6-6, Sr., G) will mean the world for the Royals. The Minnesota Golden Gophers commit averaged over 14 points per game as a sophomore for a loaded Hopkins team and is regarded as the state's top prospect.
Ishmael El-Amin (6-1, Jr., G) – son of former UConn point man Khalid El-Amin – will be another key cog for Novak.
See MaxPreps Minnesota boys basketball pro photos3. MinnetonkaHead coach: Rob Ware
2014-15 record: 19-8
Slowing down Minnetonka was a tough task last year, as the Skippers averaged 85.9 points per game. The top three scorers are back, including
Amar Miller (5-9, Sr., G), who led the way at over 21 points per outing. He is flanked in the back court by North Dakota State commit
Seth Coatta (6-3, Sr., G) and
Cedric Boone (6-0, Sr., G).
See last season's Minnesota boys basketball playoff brackets4. Champlin ParkHead coach: Mark Tuchscherer
2014-15 record: 34-1
The Rebels nearly ran the table and won the AAAA state title, but fell to Apple Valley in the final. Champlin Park did lost three double-digit scorers to graduation, but
McKinley Wright (6-0, Jr., G) and
Theo John (6-8, Jr., F) look poised to fill the void. Wright averaged over 14 points per game as a sophomore while John was a summer circuit standout, garnering offers from schools like Minnesota, Iowa, Marquette and Nebraska.
See last season's Minnesota boys basketball stat leaders5. DeLaSalle (Minneapolis)Head coach: Dave Thorson
2014-15 record: 26-4
DeLaSalle is another team with some holes to fill but intriguing young talent ready to step up.
Goanar Mar (6-7, Jr., F) is expected to be the program's next big star and promising guard
Gabe Kalscheur (6-3, So.) saw significant action a year ago as a freshman, averaging over six points per game.