While he entered the spring season with only a single division two offer coming from Northern Michigan, Nolan Minessale finished it off with multiple division one offers for himself following his play with Chapman Basketball Academy
During his junior season at Marquette University High School, the 6’5” wing averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.3 assists to lead his team to a 21-7 record. He was also named player of the year in the Greater Metro Conference. That high level of play continued into his time with Chapman Basketball where he was able to earn three divisions offers for himself. St. Thomas was the first to offer coming in June and later from South Dakota State and Wisconsin-Green Bay. Along with Tim Franks, Isaiah Allen, Michael McNabb, and Minessale, they formed one of the most talented teams on the NY2LA Association this season.
Minessale ultimately decided to commit to St. Thomas over his other three scholarship offers. Following his visit last month, the rising senior already had a very strong feelings about his future school. “I visited in early June and immediately after I left the campus, I knew St. Thomas was building something special and I knew it would be the place for me,” Minessale said.
There were a few different factors that played a prominent role in the extremely bouncy wings decision. “St. Thomas is a great program that is clearly trending upwards. I love the coaching staff and the culture that they have built around the basketball program. For me as a player, I feel like I have yet to reach the surface of my potential and St. Thomas has showed that they can help me become the best version of myself on and off the court.”
For his future at the Summit League school, Minessale sees his game fitting in well. “The style of playing fast suits me pretty well. I think there are definitely things I need to improve on going into college, but like I said St. Thomas has proven their player development and not only that but I’m willing to do whatever it takes to being my game to the next level.”