BYU has made the final 3 for former G-League Center Abdullah Ahmed along with Houston and Mississippi State, he announced with Joe Tipton.
How is Ahmed even eligible as a former G-League player?
Ahmed is the latest player of a recent ruling that has allowed G-League players to play college ball. Santa Clara and Louisville recently received commitments from G-League players whom the NCAA ruled eligible. The idea is similar to how certain pro Euroleague players — such as BYU’s Mihailo Boskovic — are allowed to play college ball after playing in a professional league. G-League salaries are around $40K annually, which is less than what many Power Conference college players make from NIL and revenue sharing. The NCAA essentially views that as living expenses such as housing, food, etc similar to what a college scholarship would cover. If the player is within their 5-year eligibility window, then the NCAA may rule them eligible. Ahmed turns 22 in November, so he would likely have around two years of eligibility remaining. Industry sources have told me Ahmed is looking to be a mid-year enrollee this year — which for BYU would be late December after Fall Semester ends — and then he would make a decision whether to play the rest of this season or redshirt.
Ahmed recruitment and background
Ahmed is listed at 6-foot-10 and has spent the last two seasons with the Westchester Knicks. Defense is his strength and he was one of the best shot blockers in the G-League. Last season, Ahmed averaged 4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks in 18 minutes per game. Ahmed is a rim protector, and offensively he brings value as a rim runner who can catch lobs. This summer at EuroCamp Ahmed measured just over 6-foot-8 barefoot with a wingspan of 7-feet-2.5 inches. Most teams list height with shoes on, which is where his 6-foot-10 comes from.
Tipton reports that Houston has the “most momentum” for Ahmed right now and BYU is the biggest challenger. Tipton goes on to say that Ahmed is expected to visit his three finalists.
BYU assistant coach Will Voight has been a connection here. Ahmed is originally from Egypt, and Voigt has connections in both Africa and the G-League. He is the main reason Khadim Mboup came to BYU from NBA Academy in Africa.
You can watch highlights of Ahmed below.
