Ayrton Oneill
Will Opsahl is a basketball player who has committed to playing men's college basketball at Division II Minnesota State, Mankato. The 6-foot-7-inch guard is a senior at Goodhue High School, where he is coached by his father, Mark Opsahl, who played Division III basketball at Hamline University. Will Opsahl is an elite scorer and passer with excellent court vision, and he hopes to use his size and skills to his advantage as he transitions to college basketball.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Will Opsahl |
| Height | 6-foot-7 |
| Weight | 170 pounds |
| Age | 17 |
| School | Goodhue High School |
| University | Minnesota State, Mankato |
| Position | Point Guard |
| Season Average | 14.5 points per game, 5.4 rebounds per game, 4.7 assists per game |
| Family | Father: Mark Opsahl, Brother: Ben Opsahl |
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What You'll Learn
Will Opsahl's commitment to Minnesota State, Mankato
Will Opsahl, a 6-foot-7 guard from Goodhue High School, has committed to playing men's college basketball at Division II Minnesota State, Mankato. Opsahl, who is the youngest in his class, received offers from four universities in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). However, he ultimately chose Minnesota State because of the relationships he built with the coaching staff, the facilities, and the academic possibilities. The proximity to his home, which is about an hour and a half away, was also appealing as it would allow his friends and family to watch him play and show their support.
Opsahl is an exceptional basketball player with a high basketball IQ. He is an elite scorer and passer, with the ability to put the ball in the basket from inside or outside. His height, coupled with his ball-handling skills, creates matchup problems for defenders. Opsahl's vision and passing abilities are some of the reasons why he was kept at the point guard position by his high school coach, Matt Halverson. According to Halverson, Opsahl's "extremely high IQ" and passing skills set him apart, and his size allows him to create mismatches against smaller guards.
During his official visit to Minnesota State, Mankato, Opsahl experienced dorm life, toured the facilities, and witnessed the football team and basketball practice. He was excited about the overall program and the Taylor Center. Opsahl also shared that he would likely move away from the point guard position and play forward or shooting guard with Mankato. He recognizes the increased physicality at the college level and has set a goal to gain weight and strength to better compete with older players.
With Opsahl's commitment to Minnesota State, Mankato, he will continue the family tradition of playing college basketball. His father, Mark Opsahl, played Division III basketball at Hamline University, and his brother, Ben Opsahl, played at Rochester Community and Technical College. Will Opsahl's commitment to Minnesota State, Mankato, is a testament to his dedication to his basketball career and his eagerness to take his game to the next level.
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Opsahl's strengths as a basketball player
Will Opsahl is a talented basketball player with a unique combination of size and skill. Standing at 6-foot-7, Opsahl possesses exceptional ball-handling skills and court vision, allowing him to excel as a point guard. His passing abilities are highly regarded, as he can effortlessly find open teammates and create scoring opportunities. Opsahl's height also presents a matchup problem for defenders, as he can utilize his length to shoot over defenders or drive to the basket.
Another notable strength of Opsahl's is his scoring ability. He is a versatile scorer, capable of putting the ball in the basket from both inside and outside the key. During his junior season, Opsahl averaged an impressive 14.5 points per game, showcasing his ability to consistently put up numbers. He also averaged 5.4 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game, further highlighting his all-around impact on the court.
Opsahl's basketball IQ is exceptional, as noted by his coach, Halverson. He possesses a deep understanding of the game, which, coupled with his height, allows him to see over defenders and make precise passes to cutting teammates. His high basketball IQ, combined with his passing skills, makes him an exceptional floor general who can control the pace and flow of the offense.
In addition to his physical and technical skills, Opsahl also excels as a leader. He has been described as a "great passer and leader for the team." Opsahl values being a good role model for younger players and always strives to lead by example. His commitment to his team and willingness to involve others make him an invaluable asset both on and off the court.
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Opsahl's goals for high school and beyond
Will Opsahl is a talented basketball player with a strong family tradition of playing men's college basketball. As a high school senior, Opsahl has already achieved success on the court and has set his sights on continuing his basketball career at the collegiate level.
One of Opsahl's primary goals for high school and beyond is to develop his physical attributes. As a 6-foot-7 guard, Opsahl possesses an exceptional combination of size and skill. He recognizes the need to gain weight, build strength, and improve his stamina to compete at the college level. By focusing on his physical development, Opsahl aims to enhance his durability and become more effective against older, more physically developed opponents.
Another key aspect of Opsahl's goals is his commitment to leadership and teamwork. Known for his exceptional passing abilities, Opsahl strives to be a leader on the court. He aims to set a positive example for his teammates, particularly the younger players. Opsahl understands the importance of fostering strong relationships within the team and wants to continue being a good role model and a well-respected leader.
Opsahl's long-term goals also include playing college basketball, following in the footsteps of his father and brother. He has already received offers from universities and has committed to playing for Division II Minnesota State, Mankato. Opsahl's decision was influenced by various factors, including the facilities, coaching staff, and academic possibilities. The proximity to his home was also a significant factor, as it would allow his friends and family to watch him play and provide a strong support system.
In the immediate future, Opsahl has set his sights on achieving individual milestones. As a high-scoring player, he aims to finish his senior season as the Wildcats' all-time leading scorer. Opsahl's scoring prowess, combined with his exceptional passing and leadership skills, position him well to achieve this goal.
Overall, Opsahl's goals for high school and beyond revolve around a combination of personal development, team success, and a strong commitment to the sport. By focusing on his physical attributes, leadership skills, and pursuing opportunities at the collegiate level, Opsahl is well-positioned to achieve his aspirations and continue the family legacy in basketball.
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The influence of Opsahl's family on his career
Will Opsahl's family has had a significant influence on his basketball career. Coming from a family with a tradition of playing basketball, Opsahl was always motivated to follow in their footsteps. Opsahl's father, Mark, played a pivotal role in his journey. Mark's experience as a Division III basketball player at Hamline University made him a mentor and coach to his son. Mark's guidance and support were instrumental in Will's development as a player and a person.
Will's brother, Ben, also inspired him. Ben's experience playing basketball at Rochester Community and Technical College further fuelled Will's ambition to pursue college basketball. The success of his father and brother inspired Will to strive for excellence in the sport. Additionally, Will's sister, Kate, also contributed to his passion for basketball, although the specifics of her involvement are not mentioned. The entire Opsahl family dynamic created a supportive environment that encouraged Will's passion for basketball and drove him to pursue it at the collegiate level.
The influence of the Opsahl family extended beyond inspiration and into practical aspects of basketball. Will Opsahl's father, Mark, served as an assistant coach at Goodhue High School, where Will played basketball. This provided Will with direct mentorship and guidance from someone intimately familiar with his skills and abilities. Mark's coaching experience and knowledge of the game positively impacted Will's development as a player.
The family's support also played a crucial role in Will's decision-making process when choosing a college. Will considered his family's proximity to Minnesota State, Mankato, as an essential factor in his choice to attend. The opportunity for his friends and family to watch him play was a significant consideration, highlighting the importance of their ongoing support in his basketball journey. Will Opsahl's decision to attend Minnesota State, Mankato, was influenced by the support and mentorship he received from his family, particularly his father and brother, who shared a passion for the sport.
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Opsahl's recruitment process and offers from universities
Will Opsahl, a 6-foot-7 guard from Goodhue, announced his commitment to play college basketball at Division II Minnesota State, Mankato. Opsahl received offers from four universities in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) but ultimately chose Mankato due to the facilities, coaching staff, and academic possibilities. The relationships he built with the coaches at Minnesota State were a significant factor in his decision, as well as the location, which is about an hour and a half from his home, allowing his friends and family to watch him play.
While the specific recruitment processes and offer details for each university are not publicly available, we can gain insights into the general recruitment and selection process followed by universities through their career pages and human resources guidelines. For instance, Oklahoma State University (OSU), which is one of the largest employers in its state, provides over 17,000 learning opportunities for professional and personal growth. OSU fosters an inclusive culture, offering equal opportunities for all individuals regardless of race, religion, age, sex, colour, national origin, marital status, disability, or veteran status. They received the Veteran Employer Champion award multiple times and are committed to employee wellness, development, and success.
Universities like OSU and Oregon State University (OSU) have dedicated Talent Development and Recruitment departments that focus on attracting, selecting, and integrating talented individuals. The recruitment process typically involves screening applicants, conducting interviews, and making offers. Universities may use screening criteria, interview checklists, and communication templates to ensure a thorough and efficient selection process.
In some cases, universities may need to make emergency hires on an interim basis, followed by a competitive recruitment process. Additionally, dual career hires may be considered when a proposed position can meet specific college needs or opportunities due to a candidate's unique qualifications. Overall, universities aim to provide a positive candidate experience throughout the recruitment process, maintain clear and considerate communication, and ensure a seamless integration of new employees into the organisation.
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Frequently asked questions
Will Opsahl chose to play for Minnesota State, Mankato.
Will Opsahl is 6'7 and plays as a point guard but has also played as a forward or shooting guard.
Opsahl is an elite scorer and passer, with great vision and ball-handling skills. He is also a strong leader.
Opsahl was impressed by the facilities, coaching staff and academic possibilities at Minnesota State. He also liked that it was close to home so his friends and family could watch him play.
In his junior season, Opsahl averaged 14.5 points per game, 5.4 rebounds per game and 4.7 assists per game.
