Isa El-Amin / Minnetonka / Sr. / Boys Basketball

Minnetonka High School Senior Isa El-Amin is a part of basketball royalty in Minnesota. His father Khalid put Minnesota basketball on the national map in the 1990s, winning a national championship at University of Connecticut. While two of Isa’s older brothers were prep standouts, Isa has carved out his own space in the family basketball annals as playing a key role on the Class AAAA Minnetonka State Championship team from last season. @TonkaSkippers (X)  recently got to know Isa El-Amin, who is a Senior leader for this year’s Skippers.

Skippers:  A lot of key players - Andy Stefonowicz, Jordan Cain, Greyson Uelmen, Kayden Wells - graduated from last season’s State Championship team that went 25-6 and upset Wayzata 72-61 in the finals. After the Capitol City Classic and a big win over Chanhassen, the Skippers are now currently 5-4. What type of team do you think the Skippers can become this season?

Isa El-Amin:  With us being 5-4 to start the year we’ve had some ups and downs already, but I still believe that - come March - we will be a team in the state tournament competing for a championship. 

Skippers:  At what point last season did you think, “I think we can win the State Championship?”

Isa El-Amin:  I first thought going into the year we had a great chance to win the State Championship just with the eight guys we had. But I really realized we had a chance to win it when one of our best players, Jordan Cain, went down with a injury and we were still able to play at a high level. And when he came back, we were an even better team. 

Skippers:  What are a few of your favorite memories from last season?

Isa El-Amin:  There were lots of great memories from last year. Some that stick out to me was most obviously winning the State Championship and also beating Shakopee in the Section Championship in front of our home crowd. That is something I will never forget.

Skippers: How do you think the always-tough Lake Conference shapes up this season?

Isa El-Amin:  I think that the Lake Conference is still one of the best in the state, if not the best. Even this year you're not gonna get a bad game. Every game in the conference will be a good one. 

Skippers: How has Skippers Coach Bryce Tesdahl helped develop your game or you personally?

Isa El-Amin:  From when I first transferred to Minnetonka to now, Coach Tesdahl has done a lot for me, whether that’s on or off the court. He really does a lot of good things behind the scenes that most people don’t hear about. If you ask me, I think he’s the best in the state at what he does.

Skippers:  Your father Khalid El-Amin starred at Minneapolis North, where he won 3 State titles; UConn, where he won the 1999 National Championship; played for the Chicago Bulls and in Europe; and is now head Men’s Basketball Coach at Anoka-Ramsey Community College. How has he inspired you as a person and a player?

Isa El-Amin:  On the court, I would say my dad is the reason I started playing basketball. And knowing what he did pushes me every day to be great. Off the court he inspires me to be great, as well, and has been a real role model for me my whole life. He taught me lots of things basketball and non-basketball related.

Skippers:  You are one of six siblings, with  Ishmael, Inayah, Ibrahim, Idreis and Inara. Your older brother Ishmael played basketball for Hopkins and Ball State. Ibrahim was a Skippers basketball standout. How big a part of your life is basketball? And who has bragging rights in the family?

Isa El-Amin:  Basketball runs pretty big in my family. Me and my siblings used to always argue about who was the best and who was gonna be the best. Right now I’d say my oldest brother Ish probably has those bragging rights just because of what he has done and is still playing professionally overseas now. But he’s just got those for now, not much longer.

Skippers:  Do you have any special pregame or gameday rituals/habits?

Isa El-Amin:  Yes, I take a nap and eat Subway before every game.

Skippers:  What do you like to do away from basketball?

Isa El-Amin:  Outside of basketball I really don’t do much. But when I do have free time, I like to chill, hang out with friends and spend time with family.

Skippers:  Any favorite classes?

Isa El-Amin:  My favorite classes I would say are probably Math and my elective Independent Living.

Skippers:  Your grandparents used to sell sweet  potato pies at Minneapolis North games when your father played there. Your family owned a Fish & Chops shop. What is the perfect meal for you?

Isa El-Amin:  I will probably say my perfect meal would be anything my mom is cooking because her home-cooked meals are always the best!

Skippers:  Finally, what are your plans after you graduate from Minnetonka High School?

Isa El-Amin:  M y plan after Minnetonka High School is to continue to play basketball in college and study something in business. I haven’t decided what school yet, but I just want it to be the right fit.