Professional Golfers from the Twin Cities, Combining Both Experienced and Collegiate Talent
The Twin Cities Pro-Am, held at DeLaSalle High School, attracted a host of talented basketball players, both international and college, for a week of intense competition in August 2025. Despite the absence of NBA players, the event offered an exciting display of skill and athleticism.
Jalen Suggs and Tyus Jones, two standout players known for their college and professional careers, were the top featured players at the tournament. Their "EPIC" matchup during the event demonstrated their significant presence in the Pro-Am tournament.
Chet Holmgren and Jalen Suggs are associated with Minnehaha Academy, adding an extra layer of local interest to the event. Meanwhile, Geno Crandall, a player from Team YHIC, impressed as the best pure point guard in the Pro-Am, showcasing his elite playmaking abilities and scoring threat.
Sy Chatman, a forward, displayed promising tools for a new age player, comfortable playing facing the basket, playing above the rim, and possessing agility to defend on the perimeter. Jordan Horn, a player from Team Aflam of Dreams, was the MVP and one of the most unstoppable one-on-one players at the event, earning wide acclaim for his soft touch on high finishes and ability to make difficult contested shots.
Ater Manyuon, a lefty swingman, was the best JUCO player at the Pro-Am, known for his athleticism in transition, ability to create separation for his 3-point shot, and playing above the rim on both ends of the floor. Manyuon, a sophomore, has the potential to be one of the more intriguing JUCO guards in the Midwest this upcoming season, hailing from Austin, Minn.
Lu'Cye Patterson, a guard, was one of the most productive college players at the Pro-Am, known for his ability to change speeds, get to his sweet spots, and be a scoring threat. Patterson led Charlotte in scoring for the '23-24 season and is currently weighing overseas options as well as exploring the possibility of a potential waiver for another year in the NCAA.
Reggie Lynch, a physically imposing big man, has won defensive player of the year awards in the Big Ten and various foreign leagues, and is known for his shot blocking abilities. Race Thompson, a former four-star recruit and Indiana forward, displayed his versatility at the Twin Cities Pro-Am, capable of controlling the paint and playing on the perimeter. Chatman played with the Iowa Wolves in the G-League last year and has multiple options for this upcoming season.
Jamar Diggs, the founder of the Twin Cities Pro-Am, plays overseas in France. The fans were more interested in watching former local players than NBA players, reflecting the strong connection between the community and the event. The Pro-Am featured a high level of competition, despite the lack of NBA players due to various reasons.
In a surprising turn of events, Thompson has decided to embark on his European career in Poland, not returning to the G-League next season. This decision will undoubtedly be watched closely by basketball fans, as Thompson's talent and versatility promise an exciting future in European basketball.
- Jalen Suggs and Tyus Jones, two notable names in college and professional basketball, showcased their prowess at the Twin Cities Pro-Am, with their matchup being a highlight of the event.
- The NBA-absent Pro-Am tournament still managed to attract attention, owing to the impressive skills and athleticism displayed by players such as Chet Holmgren, Jalen Suggs, Geno Crandall, and Jordan Horn.
- Sy Chatman, a versatile forward, and Race Thompson, a former four-star recruit, demonstrated their versatility in various aspects of sports-analysis, including playing on the perimeter and controlling the paint, respectively.
- Ater Manyuon, a talented JUCO player, was a standout in the Pro-Am, showcasing his athleticism in transition, ball handling skills, and ability to create separation for his 3-point shot.
- Lu'Cye Patterson, a college standout, was one of the most productive players at the Pro-Am, known for his ability to score and change speeds, making him a contender for future NBA or overseas opportunities.