Abu on campus today

[aceboon]

NC State fans seem pretty confident about their chances, I just can't see it happening for them. I understand kids from the South ready to join that graveyard of highly regarded prospects that went nowhere under Gottfried, but a kid from the NE? Plus their comments about his AAU coach wanting to steer him to NC State made no sense, why would he do that when he's tight with Cooley.

 

[Clockshop]

Abu said something similar on 8/11 about UConn:

"Coach Ollie is a really down to earth dude," Abu said. "He is really passionate about what he is about. He is really trying to change the culture at UConn and start his traditions, and be even more of a winning tradition than before. Coach Ollie is going to do big things regardless of whether he gets me or not."

 

[CTBasketball]

Abu is a confident dude. Every school he talks about is like, "whether or not they get me" or "with or without me." He said similar things about PC and Florida too.

Can't tell whether he's pompous or just confident. Either way we haven't had a confident/aggressive big-man since Jeff Adrien. If Abu could be a better version of Adrien he'd be an absolute beast.

 

[alexd]

Abu is a confident dude. Every school he talks about is like, "whether or not they get me" or "with or without me." He said similar things about PC and Florida too.

Can't tell whether he's pompous or just confident. Either way we haven't had a confident/aggressive big-man since Jeff Adrien. If Abu could be a better version of Adrien he'd be an absolute beast.

If he could be JUST LIKE Adrien, we'd be veryy happy.

 

[FriarJ]

NC State fans seem pretty confident about their chances, I just can't see it happening for them. I understand kids from the South ready to join that graveyard of highly regarded prospects that went nowhere under Gottfried, but a kid from the NE? Plus their comments about his AAU coach wanting to steer him to NC State made no sense, why would he do that when he's tight with Cooley.

One thing in regard to NCST is he continually talks about how he fits into a schools system and he spent two days down there with the staff running him through various plays and how he would be used. They worry me frankly.

 

[7774]

I have to be honest, a lot about that article turned me off.

It's one thing if he really doesn't know where he wants to go (which might be 100% true), but if he knows where he's going and is not saying so he "doesn't give schools the message it's all said and done", he's really just screwing with those other 3 schools recruiting resources in a big way.

 

[upstater]

Abu said something similar on 8/11 about UConn:

"Coach Ollie is a really down to earth dude," Abu said. "He is really passionate about what he is about. He is really trying to change the culture at UConn and start his traditions, and be even more of a winning tradition than before. Coach Ollie is going to do big things regardless of whether he gets me or not."

Oh well, there goes that. Usually when you hear comments like that, the guy has moved on.

 

[upstater]

I have to be honest, a lot about that article turned me off.

It's one thing if he really doesn't know where he wants to go (which might be 100% true), but if he knows where he's going and is not saying so he "doesn't give schools the message it's all said and done", he's really just screwing with those other 3 schools recruiting resources in a big way.

How is he screwing with them? We're talking about a 2 week window here. If they don't like it, they can move on now.

 

[tcf15]

I have to be honest, a lot about that article turned me off.

It's one thing if he really doesn't know where he wants to go (which might be 100% true), but if he knows where he's going and is not saying so he "doesn't give schools the message it's all said and done", he's really just screwing with those other 3 schools recruiting resources in a big way.

How is he screwing with them? We're talking about a 2 week window here. If they don't like it, they can move on now.

Plus, he is taking unofficials, so he is paying for all the visits himself.

 

[OkaForPrez]

"I just want to find the best system for me as a versatile four that can bring a lot to the table,"

I think this bodes well for us. Ollie is definitely developing a 4 out 1 in system with NBA length. You can see it with the types of guys we are recruiting. I don't know if the systems at the remaining other schools are comparable, but this sounds like Abu's first criteria and one we are an "order qualifier" for.

 

[caw]

I think he is honestly still weighing everything. Does anything in those quotes not sound like a young man who knows what he wants but isn't quite sure which system actually fits what he wants the best. He sounds like a kid who is still weighing options.

If there is a school out of it it would be Florida, but that's only a guess based on his visit.

 

[upstater]

I think this bodes well for us. Ollie is definitely developing a 4 out 1 in system with NBA length. You can see it with the types of guys we are recruiting. I don't know if the systems at the remaining other schools are comparable, but this sounds like Abu's first criteria and one we are an "order qualifier" for.

I'm mostly afraid of Florida.

 

[tentoes4rings]

I'm mostly afraid of Florida.

I agree, Florida is the big threat here.

 

[tcf15]

I've read that the Florida visit did not go so well, so they may have some ground to make up.

 

[Pudge]

Guys, this was put out last night but I don't know when the writer spoke to him. It obviously has an NC State bent but I know many of you are craving for any info so here is some FWIW.

ncstate. /content.asp?CID=1539513

Meriden (N.H.) Kimball Union Academy senior power forward Abdul-Malik Abu has had a whirlwind of a last 11 days.

Abu said Tuesday how impressed he was with the southern hospitality at NC State. He quickly finished his fourth and final unofficial visit Wednesday to UConn and is now in preparations to make his final decision between the Wolfpack, Huskies, Providence and Florida.

Abu admitted the chance to cram in as much as possible during his NC State and Florida unofficial visits was different than going down the highway from his hometown of Boston to UConn and Providence.


Mike Pegram/Peegs.com

Meriden (N.H.) Kimball Union Academy senior power forward Abdul-Malik Abu is ranked No. 50 in the country by .
Abu said he definitely accomplished what he hoped for with his four unofficial visits between Aug. 10-21. ranks the 6-foot-8, 233-pounder the No. 50 overall player in the country, hence why the four schools have been clamoring for his inside-outside abilities, which have been enhanced this spring and summer with Expressions Elite traveling team program and coach Tyron Boswell.

"Every recruit is going to have their own visit where they can see if they get hit with reality," Abu said. "You can get hit with the facts and what other schools view you as. I feel like I've heard a lot of things and I feel like, 'Yo, I can fit in this system or I can play here.'"

Abu and close friend Jared Terrell, who plays for Wolfeboro (N.H.) Brewster Academy, and with Abu on Expressions Elite will go to the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center in the heart of Boston on Sept. 7 and pick a hat from the respective schools. Terrell is also considering Providence, along with Rhode Island, Oklahoma State and Cincinnati.

"Right now, it is looking like Sept. 7, but only God knows," Abu said. "We'll see what happens from today until then, but that is the plan overall."

Abu won't declare a public leader, but he has thought long and hard about his impending decision, and has seen all four campuses.

"I just want to find the best system for me as a versatile four that can bring a lot to the table," Abu said. "Do I feel I have a leader? I don't really know. I don't want to give any schools the message that it is all said and done.

"I am just at that point where you have an idea and vision of every school and every system. It's up to take it upon yourself and see where you want to fit in and make the biggest impact. Everyone has a chance at the end of the day. Anything can change on any single day."

Abu swung through Raleigh with his cousin Aug. 11-12, and got to interact with the Wolfpack coaches. He didn't get to spend much time with the players, but did get to know local walk-on Staats Battle, a junior wing.

Abu said NCSU coach Mark Gottfried didn't give a hard sales pitch, but a natural one.

"The staff had a down to earth nature and were genuine people," Abu said. "They were just themselves, and that is the most important thing for me. I could just feel comfortable.

"Staats was a down to earth kid who showed me around. I could see how everyone feels about their state and school, and there is a lot of pride."

Abu said he was walking around with NCSU assistant coach Orlando Early and surprised when some students or fans knew who he was.

"On campus, you just feel the vibe from the people that this is what they want to do," Abu said. "A few people knew me. Someone recognized Coach Early first and then were like, 'Is that Abu?' I was amazed they knew who I was, but that shows the NC State pride.

"That is what motivates some players. If you know people are 100 percent behind them, you want to play for them."

Abu is a crafty politician but he knows that vibe in Raleigh is a positive one moving forward.

"It's hard to explain, but it is a special place, and it will be with or without me," Abu said. "It's a great place."

Abu knows the four remaining head coaches will continue to sell their school over the next few weeks.

"It's going to be steady and everyone is going to keep selling their pitch until I pick a hat," Abu said. "When that day starts creeping up, and it is still that day in the long run, it's going to get more hectic. More will want to put out their last day, and I'm not against that. That is their job, to recruit the best players and I'm grateful to be in that position."

PEEGS isn't a NCState guy. He has been the prime internet guy for Indiana University ... for forever. I am not sure why he writes "with a NC State slant"; but, he might pick up extra money around other sites for articles like these after visits.

 

[tentoes4rings]

I've read that the Florida visit did not go so well, so they may have some ground to make up.

Can you provide us with any more info regarding the source, his credibility and what didn't go well? I'm still shocked that we haven't heard one word about yesterday! It's like all writers and players were given a gag order. I'm sure the kid is being very private but someone has to have some feedback. I tweeted our players last night, nobody will say a word. Hopefully Zagoria or Meyer or someone gives us something soon.

 

[tcf15]

PEEGS isn't a NCState guy. He has been the prime internet guy for Indiana University ... for forever. I am not sure why he writes "with a NC State slant"; but, he might pick up extra money around other sites for articles like these after visits.

There was a photo of Abu that was credited to the peegs guy, which is why his name is showing up. The article was written by the main NC State guy on TOS.

Can you provide us with any more info regarding the source, his credibility and what didn't go well? I'm still shocked that we haven't heard one word about yesterday! It's like all writers and players were given a gag order. I'm sure the kid is being very private but someone has to have some feedback. I tweeted our players last night, nobody will say a word. Hopefully Zagoria or Meyer or someone gives us something soon.

@FlaHusky Didn't mean to come off as having a direct source, just the vibe that I'm getting from all the NC State and Florida boards that I could find (free and premium). I read one post that came from a friend of the walk-on who hosted Abu on his visit to the NC State campus. While hosting, the kid heard that the Florida visit didn't go so well. There were other posters from Florida boards who mentioned that Abu had gotten into Florida for a visit at 5pm and immediately left the next morning, and some Florida insiders seem to believe that they are out of the Abu race. Also (purely speculation on my part), there was a recent article from Zags how Florida is pushing really hard to get Trey Lyles, and Billy Donavon is the lead recruiter for Lyles. Maybe Donavon wants Lyles more than Abu, and that was made apparent on his visit?

Regarding the visit last night, the only thing that I could find, which was retweeted by 3, was this from someone who appears to be associated with Abu's AAU team:
Bojangles ‏@HDreamsM_RT 16h
Took the young boy to a UCONN visit today and had him speak with the young homie Bazz and Coach Ollie. Great program

But I agree, it has been quiet considering he was on campus yesterday. Almost too quiet. I wonder what's up.

 

[Rico444]

Thanks for the article FriarJ.

Really hope we get this guy; it's going to hurt if we don't.

 

[Peacefrog]

"But I agree, it has been quiet considering he was on campus yesterday. Almost too quiet. I wonder what's up. "

"I tweeted our players last night, nobody will say a word."

Wishful thinking: maybe he provisionally committed to UConn but wants it kept hush-hush until his public announcement.

 

[HooperScooper]

Thanks for the article FriarJ.

Really hope we get this guy; it's going to hurt if we don't.

Why? As Fishy so eloquently stated, there are no must get recruits. I think it's obvious the staff wants him so we should too but if not the staff will move on to other targets and whoever UConn does get will be a good player.

 

[tcf15]

 

[champs99and04]

This is kind of a strange recruitment. Usually when you're two weeks from the announcement date, and the kid has already visited every school, there is at least a leader leaked and usually one school that's rumored to be eliminated. The kid is obviously keeping this very close to the vest, and at this point I honestly wouldn't be at all surprised by him picking any of the four schools.

 

[OkaForPrez]

This is kind of a strange recruitment. Usually when you're two weeks from the announcement date, and the kid has already visited every school, there is at least a leader leaked and usually one school that's rumored to be eliminated. The kid is obviously keeping this very close to the vest, and at this point I honestly wouldn't be at all surprised by him picking any of the four schools.

It's hard to tell your friend you aren't making good on your promise to play together.

 

[caw]

There was a photo of Abu that was credited to the peegs guy, which is why his name is showing up. The article was written by the main NC State guy on TOS.


@FlaHusky Didn't mean to come off as having a direct source, just the vibe that I'm getting from all the NC State and Florida boards that I could find (free and premium). I read one post that came from a friend of the walk-on who hosted Abu on his visit to the NC State campus. While hosting, the kid heard that the Florida visit didn't go so well. There were other posters from Florida boards who mentioned that Abu had gotten into Florida for a visit at 5pm and immediately left the next morning, and some Florida insiders seem to believe that they are out of the Abu race. Also (purely speculation on my part), there was a recent article from Zags how Florida is pushing really hard to get Trey Lyles, and Billy Donavon is the lead recruiter for Lyles. Maybe Donavon wants Lyles more than Abu, and that was made apparent on his visit?

Regarding the visit last night, the only thing that I could find, which was retweeted by 3, was this from someone who appears to be associated with Abu's AAU team:
Bojangles ‏@HDreamsM_RT 16h
Took the young boy to a UCONN visit today and had him speak with the young homie Bazz and Coach Ollie. Great program

But I agree, it has been quiet considering he was on campus yesterday. Almost too quiet. I wonder what's up.

It was pretty quiet after Daniels visited also. I just think Ollie let's kids leak stuff if they want to, it won't come from UConn. Not saying an silent verbal was given just that if Abu doesn't want it leaked, it won't be leaked by UConn.

I think Abu is still deciding personally.

 

[champs99and04]

It's hard to tell your friend you aren't making good on your promise to play together.

Between Terrell, and Cooley being the coach that has recruited him the longest, Providence is probably the school with the biggest emotional pull for him. I don't know how much that factors in, but I agree Providence is the school he'd have the toughest time saying no to.