Longtime basketball writer Ron Haggstrom picks his starting five for boys basketball in 2022-23. If you want to see one of these playing in action when the season starts next week, you can find their school's schedules on the Star Tribune boys basketball hub.
Taison Chatman
Totino-Grace, 6-4 guard, senior
An outstanding scoring and playmaking point guard. Chatman guided Totino-Grace to the Class 3A championship last season. He will lull a defender to sleep and then torch him with a quick burst. Plays under control and can score from anywhere. (College: Ohio State).
Daniel Freitag
Bloomington Jefferson, 6-2 guard, junior
Always under control when creating separation from a defender off the dribble. He can step back and hit the three or drive to the basket and finish at the rim. The outstanding two-sport athlete (football) can also defend and hit the boards. (College: undecided).
Boden Kapke
Holy Family, 6-11 center, senior
Kapke is a versatile offensive player, being able to score inside and out. He averaged a double-double (27.2 points and 14.7 rebounds per game) as a junior. "Boden is highly skilled with a strong basketball IQ," Butler coach Thad Matta said. (College: Butler).
Jack Robison
Lakeville North, 6-6 forward, junior
A versatile playmaker with a feathery touch on his mid-range jumper as well as three-pointers. The lefthander knows how to keep plays alive when he crashes the offensive boards. He isn't afraid to dive on the floor for loose balls. (College: Wisconsin).
Nolan Winter
Lakeville North, 6-10 forward, senior
"[He's] just scratching the surface of where he can be as he gets bigger and stronger," Wisconsin coach Greg Card said. "Excited about his potential." A pure shooter with excellent range, he's also an outstanding passer. (College: Wisconsin).
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