TRIA Prep Salute: Minnesota prep legend Khalid El-Amin in first year as head coach

Khalid-El Amin’s buzzer-beating shot for Minneapolis North in the 1996 State Boys Basketball Tournament is on the Mount Rushmore of the state’s all-time high school highlights.

26 years after his famous shot, El-Amin is in is first season as head coach at St Thomas Academy – the very team his buzzer-beater knocked out of the ’96 Tourney.

"That’s the good thing about being here," El-Amin said with a laugh. "Most of their parents were on that ’96 team so they heard a little bit about me growing up."

His legacy gave him immediate clout with his players… especially those who’ve talked to their parents.

"I think they have given me some credit because I played at a high level in HS and college and pro," he acknowledges, but them immediately also giving credit his players. "That’s a testament to their character – them buying in and trusting me knowing I have their best interest. Makes my job a lot easier and the transition a lot easier."

Despite having dashed the dreams of some of his players parents, El-Amin leaves no mistaking where his loyalties now lie.

"It brings back great memories, of course. It’s part of my legacy as a basketball player," he said. "It just comes full circle. Now I’m coaching this team. I want to win for the Cadets. I’m a Cadet now."

Over the offseason, El-Amin was doing training work with the girls basketball team at Visitation – St Thomas Academy’s sister school. Visitation’s head coach is former Minneapolis North and Minnesota Girls Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Famer Faith Johnson-Patterson. Johnson-Patterson and El-Amin have connections going back to their respective days at North, and she recommended El-Amin for the opening at St Thomas Academy.

"Historically, St Thomas Academy has been a great institution for basketball and sports," El-Amin said. "I want to bring back that winning tradition. I looked at the team the last couple seasons – they didn’t have the kind of season they’re accustomed to. I wanted to bring back that winning tradition and it’s been a fun ride up until now."

Adding to the challenge of being a first-time high school head coach, El-Amin also being a high school basketball dad. His son Ibrahim is a junior guard at Minnetonka.

"Not being able to see Ibrahim play… it is hard," he admits. "But we talk every day."

"I enjoy watching him. Whenever I can, I give him pointers. But I love just being able to sit back and see him grow as a player."

Even coaching across town, following Ibrahim’s progress is easier than with his older son – Hopkins-grad and current University of Rhode Island graduate student and player Ishmael.

"It was the same with (Ishmael). I was overseas when he was coming up, so I wasn’t around for him," he said. "It was tough and difficult to watch from afar and not have my hands on them but it’s good to see them pursuing basketball.

"That’s one of the best accolades a kid can give you – following in your footsteps. I’m happy they have chosen baskeball. I just try to help them whenever I can."

El-Amin’s resume includes three consecutive state championships at Minneapolis North and an NCAA National title at the University of Connecticut – but state titles aren’t the goal at St Thomas… at least not yet.

"As long as I can help a young man to better his game and as a young man in general, to understand life in general, I think I’ve done my job," he said. "The best coaches can do that. They relate to players, they understand their players and have relationships. As long as I can do that, I’ll be successful."

"That’s what coaching is all about."

Click the video box on this page to watch KSTP Sports’ TRIA Prep Salute story on Khalid-El Amin, as well as full-length interviews with him and two of his new players at St Thomas Academy