- This is the first in a two-part series that will feature my take on the Mount Rushmore of Minnesota hoops at each level of play from high school to the pros. Today we will look at the men and our next blog will focus on Minnesota’s women hoopers. Aside from the GOAT discussion (a topic for another day), nothing elicits stronger reactions from basketball fans than who belongs on Mount Rushmore. So let the debate begin!
Who are the faces that make up my Mount Rushmore for Minnesota hoops? To answer this question, let’s head to the Black Hills and see the legendary faces carved into immortality, joining George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, and Theodore Roosevelt.
High School
Khalid El-Amin (Minneapolis North) – this Minnesota hoops legend led North to three straight state titles in the mid to late 90’s, including an undefeated season in 1994-1995. Perhaps the signature performance of his high school career was in the state quarterfinals in 1996 against St. Thomas Academy when he scored 41 points with nine 3-pointers, including a game-winning 23-foot buzzer beater that prompted one of the most iconic celebrations in state tournament history, with El-Amin jumping on the scorers’ table to the delight of the North faithful. He was named Mr. Basketball in 1997 and was also recognized as a McDonald’s All-American. He went on to play collegiately at UConn where he led them to a National Championship in his sophomore year.
Mark Olberding (Melrose) – a 6’8 power forward, who was literally a man amongst boys. His presence turned Melrose into a state powerhouse in the two-class era of the early 70’s. He played in 4 state tournaments, losing in the state finals on last second shots in his sophomore and junior years, before leading the Dutchman to an undefeated season in his senior season (1974), that included a victory over the large school champion, Bemidji, in the overall state title game. He finished his career with more than 1700 points and 1,100 rebounds, was named a Parade All-American and participated in the Dapper Dan Classic, a precursor to today’s McDonald’s All-American game. He became one of the most heavily recruited high school players in Minnesota history before committing to the home state Gophers. In his one year in maroon and gold he led Minnesota in scoring and rebounding on a team that featured future NBA champions, Mychal Thompson and Mark Landsberger.
Tyus Jones (Apple Valley) – the nation’s #1 ranked point guard in the Class of 2014 who played with a poise and maturity beyond his years. Led Apple Valley to its first ever state title and left as the program’s all-time leader in scoring and assists. Also led the Howard Pulley Panthers to an AAU National Championship and won 3 FIBA gold medals with USA basketball. Earned 3 straight Associated Press Minnesota Boys Basketball Player of the Year awards, named Mr. Basketball, and was recognized as a McDonald’s All-American. High profile coaches like Coach K., Tom Izzo, Bill Self, and John Calipari were regular attendees at Apple Valley and Howard Pulley games as they hoped to sign the coveted recruit. Jones, of course, selected Duke and led them to a National Championship as a freshman before entering the NBA draft where he was selected by his hometown Timberwolves in the 1st round.
Jalen Suggs/Chet Holmgren (Minnehaha Academy) – ok, I had to bend the rules a little but for good reason, this is the most talented duo Minnesota high school basketball has ever seen and they belong on Mount Rushmore. Suggs was the athletic, do-it-all guard who was a varsity starter since 7th grade and Holmgren was the late blooming 7-footer who was an intimidating force on the defensive end. They teamed up for 3 straight state championships (undoubtedly a 4th was denied by the Covid year), and for good measure Holmgren added another title following Suggs’ graduation. Minnehaha games became must see events, routinely selling out and they were featured on ESPN a couple of times, including a heavy weight matchup at a sold-out Target Center that saw the Redhawks score a convincing win over national power, Sierra Canyon and Bronny James. Both Suggs and Holmgren were named Mr. Basketball in Minnesota, recognized as McDonald’s All-Americans, won FIBA gold medals as part of USA basketball, and ranked in the top 6 nationally in their respective classes – Chet was #1 in his class and named the National High School Player of the Year. After high school, both took a 1-year stop at Gonzaga and earned All-American honors before becoming NBA lottery picks. And you might have heard that Holmgren recently won an NBA championship with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Honorable Mention: Tre Jones – Apple Valley, Matthew Hurt – Rochester John Marshall, Sam Jacobson – Park of Cottage Grove, Randy Breuer – Lake City, Kris Humphries and Dave Tschimperle – Hopkins, Troy Bell – Holy Angels, Bob Zender – Edina, Norm Grow – Foley, Jim McIntyre – Patrick Henry, and Ron Johnson – New Prague.
College
Minnesota College Athletic Conference – Junior College (only players from Minnesota-based schools were considered)
Admittedly this was a very tough group to evaluate as historical information is not readily available. I am fairly confident in my selections though as I’ve seen 3 of the 4 play in-person. That being said, I would certainly welcome feedback from any readers that have greater insight into the Minnesota JUCO scene.
Ollie Shannon Jr. (Minneapolis) – this New York City native became a high scoring guard for the Mavericks in the late 1960’s and set the school single game scoring record of 71 points, a mark that still stood until the day the school shut down its basketball program following the 2009-10 season. Shannon went on to play for the Gophers where he was their leading scorer for two seasons and tied the single game scoring record of 42 points set by Eric Magdanz.
David Dickey (Northland) – the Canton, Ohio native was a dynamic point guard who earned All-American honors in his two seasons in Thief River Falls. Went on to an outstanding career at the University of North Dakota and was enshrined into the Northland Hall of Fame in 2005.
Andrew Kelson (Crookston) – yes, Crookston was a junior college prior to becoming a 4-year school and a member of the NSIC. Kelson was the best player in program history, ranking 1st in career scoring, rebounding and steals. During his final season in 1974-75, he averaged 29.1 ppg to finish among the nation’s scoring leaders. Went on to become an All-Conference performer at Moorhead State University.
Jerry Holman (Minneapolis) – an athletic 6’10 center who led Minneapolis to national prominence, including an undefeated regular season in 2001. Earned All-American honors before taking his talents to the University of Minnesota, where he was a 2-year regular for the Gophers.
Honorable Mention: Paris Kyles, Andy Hannon, Mike Kinsella – Minneapolis, David Johnson – Fergus Falls, David Krebs – Mesabi, Dick Garmaker – Hibbing, and Tim Getten and Tom Quammen – Normandale.
UMAC – Division III (only players from Minnesota-based schools were considered).
This was another difficult challenge given the revolving door of schools that have come and gone from the conference, coupled with the fact that member schools have competed at various levels of play – National Christian Athletic Association, NAIA, and currently Division III. The one constant throughout all the change has been the University of Northwestern in Roseville, undeniably the premier program in league history. With that as the backdrop, here is my take on the Mount Rushmore of UMAC hoops.
Jeff VerSteeg (Northwestern) – physical post presence who was a two-time UMAC Player of the Year and led the Eagles to conference championships in 2003-04 and 2004-05. Twice earned NAIA All-American honors and finished with career averages of 15.1 ppg and 9.5 rpg.
Tim Wendel (Crown) – the all-time leading scorer (2,077) and rebounder (853) in the D III era of UMAC basketball. Was also named UMAC Player of the Year in 2018-19 and 2019-20.
CD Douglas (Morris) – the all-time leading scorer in University of Minnesota-Morris history with 1,960 points. 3-time All-Conference performer who earned Player of the Year honors in 2017-18. Also recognized as a member of the UMAC’s all-decade team in 2019.
Alfonso Mayfield (Bethany) – helped lead Bethany’s transition from a junior college to a 4-year school competing at the NAIA level. This dynamic guard averaged 20.4 points during his two seasons with the Vikings, #1 all-time in school history and was named the UMAC Player of the Year in 2005-06.
Honorable Mention: Mike Fitzgerald, Daniel Hanson, Michael Carney – Northwestern, Derek Johnson and Will Maupins – St. Scholastica, Hunter Nielsen and Brandyn Felix – Bethany, and Nathan Roeder and Matt Zachary – North Central and Pal Dak – Morris.
MIAC – Division III
Devean George (Augsburg) – 2-time MIAC Player of the Year who led the Auggies to league titles in 1998 and 1999. Finished his career with 2,258 points and 868 rebounds and set the MIAC single-game scoring record with 52 points against Carleton. Became the first player in Division III history to be selected in the first round of the NBA draft when the Lakers chose him with the 23rd overall pick in 1999. Enjoyed an 11-year NBA career that included 3 championships.
Frank Wachlarowicz (St. John’s) – affectionately known as Frankie Alphabet, he is one of only 4 players in MIAC history to earn All-Conference honors in 4 seasons. He is the all-time leading scorer in conference history with nearly 2,400 career points, was a 2-time Conference Player of the Year and a 2-time All-American. Led the Johnnies to league titles in his final two seasons in Collegeville.
Bob Rosier (St. Thomas) – this dominant 7’3 center led the Tommies to 4 consecutive conference titles and three NAIA national tournament berths in the early 1970s. Ranks 4th in MIAC history with 2,133 points and 1st in rebounds with 1,330. Was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in the 6th round of the 1974 NBA draft.
Dan Anderson (Augsburg) – 6’10 post player who was a 3-time MIAC Player of the Year in the early 60’s. Led the Auggies to three conference titles and 2 NAIA national tournament appearances. One of only 3 players in conference history to surpass 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds, Spent several years in the ABA following his collegiate career.
Honorable Mention: Mark Hanson – Gustavus, Vern Mikkelson – Hamline, Josh Wilhelm – Carleton, Brian Ammann, Sheldon Anderson, and Booker Coplin – Augsburg, Karnell James, Tyler Nicolai and Isaac Rosefelt – St. Thomas, Ryan Thissen and Troy Bigalke – St. John’s, Eric Joldersma, Steve Scroggins, and Dale Turnquist – Bethel, and Marvin Tunstall – Winona St. Mary’s.
NSIC – Division II (only players from Minnesota-based schools were considered)
John Smith (Winona) – dominant post player who was a 2-time National Player of the Year. Led the Warriors to 2 national titles in 3 years, sandwiched by a runner-up finish, including a record 57-game winning streak. Winona’s all-time leading scorer (2,265 points) and second in rebounding (1,334).
Brett Beeson (Moorhead) – 1996 National Player of the Year after leading the country in scoring, including an NSIC record 33.8 ppg in league play. The 6’4 scoring machine also excelled in the classroom and was named Academic All-American of the Year following his senior season. Also selected to the NSIC’s 25th Anniversary Team.
Jay Guidinger (UMD) – 6’10 center was a 3-time NAIA All-American who led the Bulldogs to 4 consecutive conference titles and NAIA national tournament appearances while compiling an overall record of 103-23. 1st player ever to be named the NSIC Player of the Year 3 years in row. Finished his UMD career 3rd in scoring (1,953 points), 1st in rebounding (1,095), and 1st in blocks (196). Undrafted free agent who went on to play two years with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Gus Johnson (Winona) – this 6’8 Chicago native nicknamed “The Big Cat” is unquestionably the greatest rebounder in Minnesota college basketball history. He averaged an amazing 17.7 rebounds per game in conference play. He was a 4-time all-conference performer who finished his career with 1,698 points, 1608 rebounds, and 606 blocks – those last two #s are simply off the charts. Drafted by the Hawks in the 7th round of the 1975 NBA draft.
Honorable mention: Elisha McSweeney, Luke Anderson, and Malik Willingham – Mankato, Zack Malvik, Jonte Flowers, Herschel Lewis, Carter Glad and Roscoe Young – Winona, Dan Hagen and Gage Davis – St. Cloud, Drew Blair and Josh Quigley – UMD, Kevin Mulder – Moorhead, Sam Leggett – Southwest, Charles Hanks – Bemidji, and Harrison Cleary – Crookston.
University of St. Thomas – Division 1, Summit League
Not sure we should etch these names in granite quite yet, given that the Tommies have only been a Division I program for 3 years.
Parker Bjorklund – 6’7 forward who is one of only 2 St. Thomas players to score more than 1,000 career points in the Division I era. Earned 2nd team All Summit League honors in both 2023 and 2024.
Andrew Rhode – 6’6 guard from Brookfield, Wisconsin took the Summitt League by storm as a freshman in 2022-23. Averaged 17.1 ppg and 3.6 apg and was named 1st team All-Conference, Freshman of the Year, and Newcomer of the Year. Unfortunately, his stay in St. Paul didn’t last long as he took advantage of the new portal/NIL environment to make the jump to the high major level with the University of Virginia. And after two years with the Wahoos, he hit the portal again and will be suiting up for his home state Badgers this upcoming season. Perhaps the Tommies are entitled to a “player development fee.”
Miles Barnstable – a 6’2 guard who transferred from D III UW-Whitewater to lead the Tommies in scoring this past season at 14.7 ppg. Was named 1st Team All Summit League and earned a spot on the Summit League’s All Newcomer Team as well. Like Rhode, his stay with the Tommies was also short-lived as he transferred to Tulsa after just one season in the purple and gray.
Drake Dobbs – crafty point guard who had an outstanding final season for the Tommies, earning All Summit League 2nd team honors as well as a spot on the All-Defensive team. Averaged 11.7 ppg and finished 5th nationally with a 3.5 assist to turnover ratio this past season.
Honorable Mention: Kendall Blue, Riley Miller, Raheem Anthony, Anders Nelson, and Nolan Minessale.
University of Minnesota – Division I, Big Ten Conference
Mychal Thompson – 6’10 native of the Bahamas is the most decorated player in Gopher basketball history – two-time All-American, 3-time All-Big Ten, and Big Ten Player of the Year. Teamed with future NBA 1st round draft picks, Kevin McHale and Ray Williams to lead the Gophers to a program best 24-3 record during the 1976-77 season, including a road win over eventual national champion Marquette. Unfortunately, this championship-caliber team was not eligible for post-season play because of NCAA sanctions – an all-too-common theme for Gopher basketball fans. Thompson is “officially” Minnesota’s all-time leading scorer with 1,952 points and second in rebounding with 956. (Technically, Voshon Lenard scored over 2,000 points as a Gopher but the NCAA did their best Marvin Webster impersonation and “erased’ nearly 1,000 of his points for rules violations.) Thompson was selected with the 1st overall pick in the 1978 NBA draft by the Portland Trailblazers and had a successful 12-year NBA career that included 2 championships with the Lakers.
Kevin McHale – All Big-Ten performer in 1979 and 1980 who finished his Gopher career ranked 8th in scoring (1,704), 3rd in rebounding (950) and 1st in blocks (235). The Hibbing native is unquestionably the most popular player to ever wear the maroon and gold. This is best evidenced by the fact that in 1985 the University of Minnesota named McHale the greatest player in program history (even though this distinction clearly belongs to Thompson). McHale was a member of the USA basketball team, coached by the legendary Bobby Knight, that won a gold medal at the 1979 Pan American Games. He was selected with the 3rd pick in the 1980 NBA draft by Boston and went on to have a Hall of Fame career for the Celtics that included 3 championships and a spot on the NBA’s 75-Year Anniversary Team.
Lou Hudson – 6’5 guard/forward who along with Archie Clark and Don Yates helped break the color barrier for Gopher men’s basketball. Averaged more than 20 ppg during his Gopher career and earned All-Big Ten and All-American honors in both his junior and senior seasons. Was drafted by the Hawks with the 4th pick in the 1966 NBA draft and went on to a Hall of Fame career in the NBA.
Bobby Jackson – electric guard who led the Gophers to the 1996-97 Big Ten title and a spot in the NCAA Final 4 for the only time in program history (later erased by the NCAA, of course). Jackson was named the Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in the Big Ten that season and was a consensus All-American. He was selected in the first round of the 1997 draft by the Seattle Supersonics and enjoyed a 12-year career in the NBA.
Honorable Mention: Jim Brewer, Ray Williams, Willie Burton, Voshon Lenard, Randy Breuer, Trent Tucker, Archie Clark, Jordan Murphy, Whitey Skoog, Quincy Lewis, and Vincent Grier.
Pros
Minneapolis Lakers – NBA
The first dominant team in the NBA was our very own Minneapolis Lakers who won 5 championships in 6 seasons before ultimately relocating to Los Angeles following the 1959-60 season. During their championship runs, the Minneapolis Lakers were a popular attraction and played their home games in the Minneapolis Auditorium (now a concert and event venue for our younger readers).
George Mikan – the 1st true superstar and dominant big man in NBA history. The heart and soul of the 5 championship teams. Named 1st team All-BAA/NBA six times in his Hall of Fame career and was also named to the NBA’s 75-Year Anniversary Team.
Vern Mikkelson – 6’7 forward who was Mikan’s main sidekick during 4 of their championship runs. Also named All-NBA four times during his Hall of Fame career.
Jim Pollard – a 6’4 small forward who was a double figure scorer and solid rebounder for all 5 of the Laker championship teams. Named All-BAA/NBA four times during his Hall of Fame career.
Elgin Baylor – this explosive athlete burst onto the scene in 1958-59 and gave a glimpse of what the future of the NBA would look like. He averaged 24.9 ppg and 15.0 rpg and ran away with Rookie of the Year honors. In his second and final season with the Minneapolis version of the Lakers, he averaged an amazing 29.6 ppg and 16.4 rpg. During his Hall of Fame career, he was named All-NBA 10 times and earned a spot on the NBA’s 75-Year Anniversary Team.
Honorable Mention: Slater Martin and Clyde Lovelette.
Minnesota Muskies/Minnesota Pipers – ABA
In the late 60’s, the Met Sports Center in Bloomington (now the site of the Mall of America), served as the primary home arena for two ABA franchises (the Muskies in 1967-68 and the Pipers in 1968-69). While fans were scarce, those lucky enough to attend got an opportunity to see some truly great players while enjoying a game played with the iconic red, white, and blue ball.
Mel Daniels – a 6’9 center who earned ABA Rookie of the Year honors for the Muskies by averaging 22.2 points and a league-leading 15.6 rebounds per game. Was named an All-Star and finished 3rd in MVP voting. A great start to a Hall of Fame career.
Donnie Freeman – earned an All-Star nod by averaging 16.3 ppg for the Muskies. His successful ABA career included a championship in 1973, 4-time All-League honors and a place on the all-time ABA team.
Connie Hawkins – the Hawk’s Hall of Fame career included one brilliant season for the Minnesota Pipers. He averaged 30.2 ppg and11.4 rpg to earn All-League honors and a runner up finish in MVP voting.
Charlie Williams – a 6’0 guard for the Pipers who was named an All-Star after averaging 18.7 ppg.
Honorable Mention: Les Hunter, Trooper Washington, and Art Heyman.
Minnesota Timberwolves – NBA
Kevin Garnett – the greatest player in Timberwolves history. Perhaps the new owners can finally get Garnett’s jersey where it rightfully belongs – in the rafters of Target Center. While his Hall of Fame career might be highlighted by the championship he won with the Celtics, he became the “Big Ticket” in Minnesota after the Wolves drafted him directly out of Farragut Academy High School in Chicago. His time in Minnesota was highlighted by his MVP season in 2003-04 when he led the Wolves to the Western Conference Finals – a championship was certainly within reach until All-NBA guard, Sam Cassell suffered an injury doing his infamous “big balls” dance (don’t even ask…). KG still holds many franchise records and earned a spot on the NBA’s 75-Year Anniversary Team.
Karl-Anthony Towns – this future Hall of Famer is the best shooting big man in NBA history. In his 9 years with the Timberwolves he averaged more than 20 ppg and 10 rpg, while shooting 40% from behind the arc. He was named the Rookie of the Year in 2015-16 and earned All-NBA honors twice while in a Minnesota uniform. In 2024, he became just the 4th player in All Star game history to score 50 or more points.
Kevin Love – probably never got the “love” he deserved in Minnesota (maybe the knuckle pushup controversy had something to do with that) but he was brilliant in a Wolves uniform. In his six seasons with the Wolves, he averaged 19.2 ppg and 12.2 rpg and was a 3-time All Star. And who will ever forget the incredible night he had against the Knicks in 2010 when he became just the second NBA player in the past 40 years to record a 30-point, 30- rebound game.
Anthony Edwards – while KG’s spot as the best player in Wolves history is safe for now, it won’t be for long if Edwards continues his meteoric rise. The flamboyant star has elevated his scoring average each year he’s been in the league (19.3, 21.3, 24.6, 25.9, 27.6) and has been named All-NBA the past two seasons. He has the type of talent and work ethic that leads you to believe he can do whatever he wants. For example, he came into the league with the reputation of being a suspect perimeter shooter so all he did was lead the league in 3-point field goals made this past season – Steph Curry who? Is he the next face of the league? He certainly has the talent and personality. If he can lead the Wolves to their first ever title, not only will he become the face of the league, he will be poised to have his likeness carved in granite with the Mount Rushmore of NBA greats like MJ and LeBron.
Honorable Mention: Andrew Wiggins, Wally Szczerbiak, Ricky Rubio, Stephon Marbury, Sam Cassell, Al Jefferson, Tony Campbell, Terrell Brandon, Sam Mitchell, and Rudy Gobert.
Consensus Mount Rushmore of Minnesota Hoops
George Mikan
Elgin Baylor
Kevin McHale
Kevin Garnett
Each of these players are Hall of Famers and members of the NBA’s 75-Year Anniversary Team. Not a bad group to represent the State of Hockey.
Well, that’s it for now from the Black Hills, time for a quick stop at Wall Drug before heading back to Minnesota on I-90. Look for the second part of our series in the coming weeks where we will reveal the Mount Rushmore of Minnesota women hoops.
About the Author
As Hoop Habits’ media contributor, Roger Johnson brings decades of basketball expertise to his articles. Having served as a marketing executive at Wells Fargo & Company and a content writer for Ultimate Hoops, Roger’s true passion has always been basketball. With experience as a collegiate player at Moorhead State University, coach, and parent of successful players, Roger offers unique insights into the game. His dedication shows through his Minnesota Timberwolves season tickets, University of Minnesota basketball support, and attendance at over 3,000 basketball games throughout his lifetime.