UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA’S AMIR THOMAS COFFEY DECLARES FOR THE NBA DRAFT

University of Minnesota Junior Amir Coffey (20) has declared for the NBA draft. He will hire an agent.

Coffey who missed most of his sophomore season due to injury.

A new rule that went into effect during the 2018-19 season allows juniors to test the NBA waters and would allow them to come back to play in their senior seasons if they didn’t think that it would be a good fit.

The NBA draft is June 20, 2019.

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA'S AMIR THOMAS COFFEY IS OUT FOR THE REST OF THE 2017-2018 SEASON

University of Minnesota Men's basketball player Amir Coffey is out for the remainder of the 2016-17 basketball season.

Coffey suffered a humeral avulsion glenohumeral ligament (HAGL) injury on Jan. 3 in a game against Illinois.

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS WENT UP AGAINST MINNESOTA IN A MEN’S BASKETBALL GAME

On Nov. 25, Southern Illinois and Minnesota squared off in a men’s basketball game. Going into the game Southern Illinois had a record of 3-2 while Minnesota was 5-0.

Minnesota looked to push the ball down the floor and score baskets in transition early. Southern Illinois also looked to push the ball down the floor and could get everyone involved in the offense.

Southern Illinois took a lot of time off the shot clock as they passed the ball around the three-point line.

It took a while for each of these teams to get their offense going.

There was a media timeout with 15:15 left in the first half. The score was Minnesota 5, Southern Illinois 4.

Minnesota switched between man-to-man and zone defense in the first half. They wanted to confuse Southern Illinois.

Both teams made it difficult for the other team to get open looks at the basket.

Minnesota’s Dupree McBrayer could get to the basket and make mid-range jump shots and layups. His teammates did a good job of getting him the ball in spots where he could shoot it.

There was a media timeout with 11:35 left in the first half. The score was Minnesota 12, Southern Illinois 9.

Southern Illinois’s Thik Bol was all over the floor. On the offensive end, he could get to the basket and make layups. On the defensive end, he could slow his guy down.

Minnesota called a timeout with 9:34 left in the first half. The score was Southern Illinois 16, Minnesota 12.

Both teams continued to push the ball down the floor and look for baskets in transition.

There was a media timeout with 7:59 left in the first half. The score was Southern Illinois 18, Minnesota 14.

The score went back and forth for a period late in the first half. Minnesota got hot offensively.

Southern Illinois called a timeout with 4:41 left in the first half. The score was Minnesota 23, Southern Illinois 18.

Minnesota really looked to get their shots to drop late in the first half.

There was a media timeout with 2:53 left in the first half. The score was Minnesota 25, Southern Illinois 18.

Southern Illinois kept attacking the basket throughout the first half. They didn’t back down to the Minnesota pressure.

At halftime, the score was Minnesota 29, Southern Illinois 20.

As the second half got underway both teams came out shooting. Minnesota continued to push the ball down the floor and looked for baskets in transition.

There was a media timeout with 15:56 left in regulation. The score was Minnesota 35, Southern Illinois 26.

Minnesota’s Amir Coffey could get to the basket and make mid-range jump shots and layups. His teammates did a good job of getting him the ball in spots where he could shoot it.

There was a media timeout with 11:35 left in the second half. The score was Minnesota 39, Southern Illinois 32.

Minnesota continued to push the ball down the floor.

Southern Illinois called a timeout with 10:06 left in the second half. The score was Minnesota 43, Southern Illinois 32.

McBrayer stepped up and could knock down three-point baskets off the break.

There was a media timeout with 7:51 left in the second half. The score was Minnesota 47, Southern Illinois 32.

Both teams continued to take time off the clock in the second half.

Minnesota called a timeout with 5:27 left in regulation. The score was Minnesota 47, Southern Illinois 36.

Southern Illinois kept attacking the basket late in the game.

Minnesota came away with the 57-45 victory over Southern Illinois.  

The leading scorer for Southern Illinois was Bol with 15 points.

The leading scorers for Minnesota were Coffey with 13 points and McBrayer and Mason each with 11 points.

CRETIN-DERHAM HALL WENT UP AGAINST HOPKINS IN A BOYS' BASKETBALL GAME

On Feb. 3, Cretin-Derham Hall and Hopkins squared off in a boys' basketball game. Hopkins was without guard Amir Coffey who was out due to rest. 

The score went back and forth early.

Cretin-Derham Hall started the game out in a zone defense. They wanted to force Hopkins to take deep shots.

Hopkins called a timeout with 11:51 left in the first half. The score was Cretin-Derham Hall 13, Hopkins 6.

Hopkins also started the game in a zone defense. They wanted to make Cretin-Derham Hall make 3-point shots. They didn’t want the ball in the paint.

Cretin-Derham Hall got everyone involved in the offense. Everyone knew where they were supposed to be on the floor. 

Hopkins switched between man-to-man and zone defense in the second half. They wanted to keep Cretin-Derham Hall guessing on what they were going to do on the defensive end.

There were multiple ties and lead changes throughout the first half. Neither team went on a huge run. 

Cretin-Derham Hall called a timeout with 7:13 left in the first half. The score was Hopkins 22, Cretin-Derham Hall 21.

Cretin-Derham Hall’s Chris Perry and Daniel Oturu came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. They knew where their teammates were on the floor and were able to get them the ball in spots where they could shoot it.

Hopkins did a good job of pushing the ball down the floor and scoring layups in transition.

Cretin-Derham Hall’s Deland Phillips came up with mid-range jump shots and layups. He used his quickness to get past the defenders.

Hopkins did a good job of moving the ball on the offensive end.

At halftime the score was Hopkins 37. Cretin-Derham Hall 31.

As the second half got underway Hopkins looked to move the ball down the floor and score baskets in transition.

Johnson kept coming up with layups in the second half. He really called for the ball and knew where he was on the floor at all times.

Cretin-Derham Hall called a timeout with 13:50 left in regulation. The score was Hopkins 43, Cretin-Derham Hall 38.

Hopkins struggled to shoot the ball midway through the second half. Cretin-Derham Hall took advantage of that as they came up with steals and layups on the defensive end.

Hopkins called a timeout with 10:15 left in regulation. The score was Cretin-Derham Hall 50, Hopkins 48.

Hopkins stayed in a zone defense. They made Cretin-Derham Hall take deep 3-point shots which they were able to make.

Johnson continued to come up with huge baskets in the second half. The defense had a difficult time slowing him down.

Cretin-Derham Hall looked to attack the basket and come up with layups.

There were several lead changes late in the contest.

The game was tied at 64 at the end of regulation.

As the overtime period got underway, the score continued to go back and forth.

Hopkins came away with the 72-68 victory over Cretin-Derham Hall. 

The leading scorer for Hopkins was Johnson with 27 points.

The leading scorers for Cretin-Derham Hall was Oturu with 24 points.

BROOKLYN CENTER AND HOPKINS SQUARED OFF AGAINST EACH OTHER IN A BOYS' BASKETBALL GAME

Brooklyn Center and Hopkins squared off against each other in a boys' basketball game. Hopkins looked to score baskets in transition. They moved the ball down the floor well and came up with mid-range jump shots.

 

The score went back and forth throughout the first half. Neither team went on a run early.

 

Brooklyn Center called a timeout with 12:54 left in the first half. The score was Hopkins 15, Brooklyn Center 10.

 

Hopkins got the ball into the hands of Amir Coffey.

 

Brooklyn Center called a timeout with 10:06 left in the first half. The score was Hopkins 25, Brooklyn Center 10.

 

Hopkins was able to score baskets in transition. They were quicker than Brooklyn Center was.

 

Hopkins wasn’t afraid to take deep 3-point shots.

 

Brooklyn Center switched between man-to-man and zone defense. They looked to confuse Hopkins.

 

Brooklyn Center’s Davonta Prince came up with defensive stops. He talked on the defensive end as well.

 

At halftime the score was Hopkins 55, Brooklyn Center 32.

 

Hopkins Erik Davis was all over the floor. On the offensive end he was able to come up with midrange jump shots and layups. He also was able to get past his defenders. If Davis didn’t think that he had a good shot, he would pass it onto one of his teammates.

 

Brooklyn Center’s Davonta Prince was all over the floor. He came up with mid-range jump shots and layups.

 

Brooklyn Center looked to take 3-point shots to start the second half. The Hopkins defense created problems for Brooklyn Center.

 

Hopkins Simon Wright came up with huge baskets. His teammates did a good job of getting him the ball in spots where he could shoot it.

 

Prince continued to come up with mid-range jump shots and layups in the second half.

 

Hopkins continued to come up with shots late in the second half.

 

Wright came up with layups on the baseline.

 

Brooklyn Center’s Landon Kirkwood made two-handed slam dunks.

 

Hopkins came away with the 104-70 win over Brooklyn Center.

 

The leading scorer for Hopkins was Wright with 22 points and Brooklyn Center was lead in scoring by Kirkwood with 19 points.

CRETIN DERHAM HALL WENT UP AGAINST HOPKINS IN A BASKETBALL GAME

Oct. 11 was the first day of the Minnetonka boys basketball fall league. Cretin-Derham Hall (CDH) went up against Hopkins.

 

CDH pushed the ball down the floor and score baskets in transition. Hopkins was able to score baskets in transition.

 

Hopkins swung the ball around the 3-point line as they were able to get everyone involved in the offense.

 

Neither team went on a huge run in the first half. There were multiple ties and lead changes.

 

Hopkins took a timeout with 9:22 left in the first half. The score was CDH 19, Hopkins 16.

 

Hopkins got the ball into the hand of Amir Coffey. Coffey was able to make layups in transition.

 

The CDH offense stalled late in the first half. They were not able to make shots that they put up.

 

CDH called a timeout with 4:36 left in the first half. The score was Hopkins 30, CDH 19.

 

Hopkins used both man-to-man and zone defense to slow CDH down.

 

Coffey looked under control on both ends of the floor. On the offensive end he was able to get to the basket hit shots that he took. Coffey was also able to know where his teammates were on the floor, if he did think that he could make a good shot he would pass it up.

 

At halftime the score was Hopkins 43, CDH 33.

 

As the second half got underway Hopkins continued to push the ball down the floor and score baskets in transition.

 

The CDH offense stalled in the second half. They were not able to make shots that they put up.

 

Hopkins did a good job of attacking the basket and making shots in transition.

 

In a game that was close early on Hopkins came away with the 81-56 victory over CDH.

HOPKINS GUARD AMIR COFFEY HAS VERBALLY COMMITTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA

According to multiple media reports Hopkins senior guard Amir Coffey has verbally committed to the University of Minnesota.

Coffey, who injured his knee early in the 2014-2015 season and didn’t play most of the season, was highly recruited. Some teams that were interested in Coffey were Alabama, Arizona, Baylor, Florida, Iowa State, Indiana, Marquette, Michigan, Michigan State, Oregon, SMU, Texas and Wisconsin.

Coffey’s dad Richard also played basketball for the University of Minnesota.

Coffey will graduate from Hopkins in June 2016.

HOPKINS TOOK ON SHAKOPEE IN THE CLASS 3A BOYS STATE SEMIFINALS

Hopkins and Shakopee went up against each other in the Class 3A state boys semifinals.

 

Hopkins looked to push the ball down the court and set the tempo early in the contest.

 

There was a media timeout with 13:18 left in the first half. The score was Hopkins 10, Shakopee 4.

 

Hopkins’ Jacob Wright was all over the floor as he was able to come up with mid-range jump shots in the first half.

 

There was a media timeout with 10:40 left in the first half. The score was tied at 12.

 

Hopkins swung the ball around the three-point line as they wanted to force Shakopee out to guard them.

 

Shakopee played zone defense and that made Hopkins shoot long range three-point shots.

 

 

There was a media timeout with 6:34 left in the first half. The score was Shakopee 15, Hopkins 14.

 

Hopkins did a good job of getting everyone touches on the offensive end. John Warren came up with mid-range jump shots.

 

Hopkins’ Amir Coffey did a good job of running their offense. He called out plays that he wanted ran and was able to let his teammates know where they were supposed to be on the offensive end of the court.

 

Hopkins’ Jacob Wright came up with some nice mid-range jump shots throughout the game.

 

There was a media timeout with 2:03 left in the first half. The score was Hopkins 22, Shakopee 19.

 

That was the score at halftime.

 

As the second half got underway Shakopee did a good job of passing the ball around the three-point line and attacking the basket and looking to get everyone involved in the offense.

 

There was a media timeout with 14:34 left in regulation. The score was Hopkins 26, Shakopee 24.

 

Shakopee was able to frustrate Hopkins at times by their defensive pressure in the second half.  

 

Wright stepped up big as he was able to consistently knock down mid-range jump shots throughout the second half.

 

Shakopee called a timeout with 11:15 left in regulation. The score was Hopkins 31, Shakopee 29.

 

Shakopee’s Booker Coplin hit a jump shot to tie the game.

 

There was a media timeout with 10:46 left in regulation. The score was tied at 31.

 

Shakopee looked to attack the Hopkins defense. They also did good job of getting the ball into the hands of Tyler Weiss. Weiss was able to hit layups throughout the game.

 

There was a media timeout with 5:49 left in regulation. The score was Shakopee 37, Hopkins 36.

 

The score went back and forth in the final four minutes in the second half. Neither team went on a run late in the contest.

 

Hopkins took the air of the ball with 2:00 left in regulation Shakopee was in a zone and Chambers stood with the ball and dribbled it. The score was tied at 41.

 

Hopkins called a timeout with 19.1 seconds left in regulation. The score was tied at 41.

 

The game was tied at 41 at the end of regulation.

 

There was a four minute overtime period.

 

Hopkins won the tip and stood at the top of the key with the ball. Chambers just dribbled the ball near midcourt.

 

Chambers missed a jump shot and missed as time expired.

 

There was a second overtime period.

 

Hopkins went to the same play as Chambers he continued to take time off the clock.

 

Nobody scored in either overtime.

 

The game went into triple overtime.

 

Shakopee won the tip to start the third overtime period and they called a timeout right away.

 

Shakopee called a timeout with 1:50 left in the third overtime. The score was Shakopee 41, Hopkins 41.

 

Weiss came up with a jump shot for the lead to start the third overtime.

 

Mitchell stepped up and was able to knock down free throws in the third overtime.

 

Hopkins called a timeout with 50.4 seconds left in the third overtime. The score was Shakopee 46, Hopkins 43.

 

Hopkins Sharp stepped up and nailed a deep three-point shot to tie the game at 46 with 31.6 seconds left in the third overtime.

 

The game was tied at 46 at the end of the third overtime period.

 

Hopkins won the tip and they came out stood in the same formation and stalled the offense.

 

Hopkins turned the ball over with 5.9 seconds left in the fourth overtime and called a timeout.

 

Coffey heaved up a three-quarter court shot at the buzzer to win the game.

 

Hopkins came away with the 49-46 victory over Shakopee.

 

The leading scorers for Hopkins were Wright with 23 points and Warren with 14.

 

After the game I was able to talk to Hopkins head coach Ken Novak and Coffey and Chambers about the game.

 

 

EDEN PRAIRIE TOOK ON HOPKINS IN A BOYS BASKETBALL GAME

Eden Prairie and Hopkins squared off in boys basketball region game on March 5. University of North Carolina head mens basketball coach Roy Williams was on hand watching the game.

 

Hopkins looked to push the ball down the floor and score baskets in transition. Hopkins raced out to a 10-4 lead with 14:05 left in the first half. That is when Eden Prairie called a timeout.

 

After a slow start Eden Prairie started hitting mid-range jump shots with just under seven minutes to go.

 

Hopkins controlled the tempo for the first half. They were able to frustrate Eden Prairie on the offensive end.

 

Wallace tied the game with just over three minutes to go at 29 on a three-point shot.

 

The score continued to go back and forth late in the first half.

 

At halftime the score was tied at 35.

 

As the second half got underway Eden Prairie looked to pass the ball around the three-point line to take time off the clock.

 

Hopkins came up with some big steals and was able to turn them into points.  

 

Hopkins was able to slow down the Eden Prairie offense in the second half.

 

Hopkins Amir Coffey came up with some mid-range jump shots that gave his team energy.

 

Eden Prairie didn’t have any real answers to the Hopkins shooters. Hopkins took over the game behind Coffey’s shooting with just under ten minutes left in regulation.

 

Hopkins’ Noble Fahnbulleh came up with some layups and jump shots in the second half. His teammates did a good job of getting him the ball in spots where he could shoot it. If he wasn’t open he would pass it to John Warren or Jake Wright who also came up with big shots throughout the game.

 

Hopkins swung the ball around the three-point line with just under 7:00 to go as they were up 20 by that point and they looked to take as much time as they could off the clock.

 

There was a timeout of the floor with 5:50 left in regulation. The score was Hopkins 68, Eden Prairie 51.

 

Hopkins turned on the offensive jets in the second half. They were able to create turnovers and come up with baskets.

 

Hopkins called a timeout with 3:38 left in regulation. The score was Hopkins 70, Eden Prairie 57.

 

Eden Prairie never seemed in a hurry on the offensive end.

 

In a game that was close throughout the first half. Hopkins was able to pull away midway through the second half.

 

Hopkins came away with the 77-64 victory over Eden Prairie.

 

The leading scorers for Eden Prairie were Gillard with 26 points and Wallace with 18 points.

 

The leading scorers for Hopkins were Coffey with 20 points, Wright with 19 points, Warren with 15 points and Fahnbulleh with 12 points.

 

HOPKINS AND OSSEO SQUARE OFF IN A BOYS BASKETBALL GAME

Hopkins took on Osseo in a boys basketball game on Feb. 11. Osseo had a record of 17-5 going into the game. Hopkins had a record of 21-1 Hopkins’ only loss is to Apple Valley on Dec. 10.

It took a while for each team to get into an offensive shooting rhythm. Osseo looked to score baskets in transition early in the contest.

 

Osseo’s Wheeler Baker was all over the floor. He was able to get layups. Baker wasn’t afraid to shoot deep three-point shots.

 

Hopkins was also not afraid to shoot the deep three-point baskets as well. Hopkins’ Amir Coffey and John Warren came up with some three-point shots.

 

Osseo called a timeout with 10:01 left in the first half. The score was Hopkins 19, Osseo 15.

 

Osseo continued to pass the ball around the three-point line. They looked to get the ball into their big guys on the low post.

 

There were many ties and lead changes throughout first half as neither team went on a run.

 

Baker continued to come up with some nice plays late in the first half. Osseo’s Giovanni Pastrano came up with some mid-range jump shots. Pastrano was not afraid to shoot the ball. Teammate Elliot Kane was also not afraid to shoot the deep three-point shot.

 

Hopkins Jake Wright got hot from the three-point line. Wright wasn’t afraid to shoot it.

 

Osseo’s Jordan Dembley also came up with some nice shots throughout the first half.

 

At halftime the score was Hopkins 35, Osseo 34.

 

As the second half got underway Hopkins continued to shoot deep three-point shots. Osseo did a good job of getting a hand in the face of the shooters.  

 

Baker came up with steals and was able to come up with layups.

 

Warren was hot from behind the three-point line. His teammates did a good job of getting him the ball in spots where he could shoot it.

 

Dembley, Kittleson and Jamar Roberson all attacked the basket and were able to hit their shots throughout the contest. Baker found Kittleson for a layup as Osseo continued to look inside for shots.

 

There were many ties and lead changes in the second half. Neither team went on a run in regulation.

 

Hopkins Noble Fahnbulleh came up with some nice mid-range jump shots throughout the game.  

 

Kamali Chambers wasn’t afraid to take the ball to the basket as he was fouled on the layup and made his free throws.

 

Both teams exchanged baskets late in regulation.

 

Osseo called a timeout with 27.1 left in regulation Osseo had the ball and turned it over.

 

Hopkins came up with the ball and hit shots at the end of the game.

 

Hopkins came away with the 74-71 victory over Osseo.

 

The leading scorers for Osseo were, Baker with 36 points and Dembley with 16 points.

 

The leading scorers for Hopkins were Warren and Coffee each with 17, Wright with 15 and Chambers with 11 points, and  Fahnbulleh ended with 12 points.

 

I was joined by the Twin Cities Hoops Czar. Check out his thoughts of the Hopkins vs. Osseo boys’ basketball game.