Minatee Hopes For Big Year
Aswan Minatee might not be the first option at St. Benedict's Prep in Newark, N.J. He might not even be the second, third or fourth on a given night, but the resilient 6-4, 225 pound forward is always at the ready to be a key contributor.
To be sure, Minatee is an unsung player for Danny Hurley's powerful Gray Bee program, which is entering its second year under the former St. Anthony's stalwart.
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After Hurley brought in a high powered stable of talent last year, Minatee could have folded up his tent. But to his credit, he earned his minutes and played a key role off the bench for St. Benedict's.
So it was little surprise at last weekend's Sonny Hill Future Stars Tournament in Philly when Minatee grabbed the mantle along with Jesse Holley to lead Brian Crawford's Newark Rams into the tourney quarters. Both Holley and Minatee were named all-tournament.
Minatee doesn't look particularly fast or athletic, but he has some bounce and is a persistent factor on the offensive glass. He's always been more of an undersized power forward than anything else, but at the Sonny Hill Tournament, he showed improved range on his jumper.
Division II programs such as Teikyo Post and Ramapo have shown interest in Minatee, as has Division I Marist College in New York. With St. Benedict's playing a high powered schedule in 2002-2003, Minatee will have plenty of chances to show his wares in front of college scouts and coaches.
Last year for the Gray Bees, he averaged nine points and six rebounds per contest. He will be surrounded by plenty of talent at St. Benedict's this year, with players such as Bashir Mason, Artie Bowers, J.R. Smith and Stanley Branch flanking him at any given time on the court.
Minatee said he has roughly a 2.0 GPA and needs to boost his SAT score in order to qualify academically. Rivalshoops will keep you posted on his progress and recruitment in the months to come, so stay tuned.