2014 PF Abdul-Malik Abu Interview

[tcf15]

Says about UConn: "Close to home, good relationship with the coaching staff and the head coach, and it's a high interest level there."

Wouldn't be surprised to see this come down to UConn and Florida.

 

[uconnbill]

Says about UConn: "Close to home, good relationship with the coaching staff and the head coach, and it's a high interest level there."

Wouldn't be surprised to see this come down to UConn and Florida.

Nice interview. Intelligent young man who seems to have his act together. Would be a very good get for UConn, especially with his size.

 

[husky99]

my bet is UConn and florida splits abu and black. my guess black goes to florida

does the interviewer have the same four questions

 

[3uconn]

I really like how he said there's a high interest level.

 

[mauconnfan]

I want Oubre and Abu to be the next 2...........

 

[upstater]

Oubre, Chukwu and Abu.

All 3 are game changers.

Hearing Abu, he lit up when talking about Florida. Seems to me they might be tough to beat. He mentioned Kansas first in his list, but wasn't as enthusiastic as he was about Kansas. Wonder if he played with Selden and if Selden playing there will influence him.

 

[Scot-e]

I know anything can happen but when was the last time we wound up landing 5 players we talked about on this board pre-season? If KO get 2 more of these kids I will be thrilled and it will be one of the best classes ever if you include RP and DH. If he gets 3 it would be a crazy class and the best ever- I am looking forward to seeing how good KO's kung is- so far he looks like the guy on the mountain that trained Uma in Kill Bill.

 

[Burnsbros23]

Man he seems like such a great kid, that was an impressive interview. Obviously worried about Florida here like people have said.

Dont sleep on Illinois and Ohio State with Black.

 

[Sportsman5]

It seems like he lit up about Florida the state, not necessarily the program. In other words weather seems to be a factor. However, when it comes down to it kids often times like to stay close to home and play around their friends and family. If we got 2 of Abu/ Chukwu/ black, and any guard/ wing in the top 50 that we are recruiting, than that would be insane. Yet it is very realistic.

 

[AfgHusky15]

He sounds like one of Ollie's disciples. Refers to his basketball team as "family," the way he talked about bouncing back from loses, using the term "blessed" when talking about his recruitment. Also when asked about what he's looking for in a school he mentioned a school that will help him develop to get to the next level (doesn't get much better than UCONN) and a coach that will help him become not just a better player but a better person in life off the court (that Ollie's thing).

Another factor that favors UCONN is the fact Abu is Muslim so is recent commit Amida Brimah, hopefully during a visit in the late summer or early fall that religious connection will help sway Abu.

Sounds like we have a real good shot with him.

 

[upstater]

He sounds like one of Ollie's disciples. Refers to his basketball team as "family," the way he talked about bouncing back from loses, using the term "blessed" when talking about his recruitment. Also when asked about what he's looking for in a school he mentioned a school that will help him develop to get to the next level (doesn't get much better than UCONN) and a coach that will help him become not just a better player but a better person in life off the court (that Ollie's thing).

Another factor that favors UCONN is the fact Abu is Muslim so is recent commit Amida Brimah, hopefully during a visit in the late summer or early fall that religious connection will help sway Abu.

Sounds like we have a real good shot with him.

How can you tell anyone's religion? Surely not by name.

 

[AfgHusky15]

Here is a link for an article saying Amida is Muslim (it was also posted in an earlier boneyard forum):

http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/02/18/3240320/amida-brimah-has-archbishop-carrolls.html

If you don't want to read the whole article, relevant passage says:

"

Brimah, who said English is his first language, also speaks French and four African dialects. He is a Muslim who prays five times per day, and he wants to study hospitality management at UConn."​

For Abu here is a video of him being a beast while fasting during Ramadan:​

​

​

​

Both are thought to be fairly devout Muslims.​

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/02/...ah-has-archbishop-carrolls.html#storylink=cpy"​

 

[superjohn]

They are both devout from what I've read.

 

[tentoes4rings]

Damn, what a nice kid. Would be huge to add a kid of this caliber with such high character. I have faith in Ollie and staff that they won't be outworked on this one or in general.

 

[GemParty]

The connection w/ Brimah could very well impact an Abu decision in our favor. Nice to have a teammate with the same beliefs that can support one another off the court.

 

[jleves]

And on the bright side the next half dozen Ramadans are all in the late spring or early summer. Perfect for the BBall schedule.

 

[Kitaman]

Very impressive interview. Knows how to talk the talk, while keeping his thoughts and intentions close to the vest. He would make a great fit and seems to be a perfect fit for Ollie.