G-League Star Abdullah Ahmed Joins BYU Basketball Team
Abdullah Ahmed, a notable talent from the G-League, has announced his commitment to the Brigham Young University (BYU) basketball team. This decision, made public on Tuesday, marks BYU’s fourth commitment for the 2026 recruiting class. Ahmed, a 6-foot-10 Egyptian big man, recently completed an official visit to the university, ultimately choosing BYU over Houston.
Career Highlights and Strengths
Over the past two seasons, Ahmed played for the Westchester Knicks in the G-League. His defensive prowess is particularly impressive; he distinguished himself as one of the league’s top shot blockers. Last season, he averaged:
- 4 points per game
- 5.2 rebounds per game
- 2.2 blocks per game
In just 18 minutes of gameplay per outing, he effectively established himself as a rim protector. Offensively, Ahmed offers significant value as a rim runner capable of finishing alley-oops.
Player Measurements and NCAA Eligibility
During the recent EuroCamp, Ahmed was measured at just over 6-foot-8 barefoot, showcasing a wingspan of 7-feet-2.5 inches. His official height of 6-foot-10 typically includes shoes. As he transitions to BYU, Ahmed is anticipated to fill a key role, especially after Keba Keita graduates this season. He will vie for the starting center position during his time at the university.
Ahmed has two years of eligibility remaining, plus an additional redshirt season. He is expected to enroll at BYU for the Winter Semester, likely around late December.
Impact of Team Dynamics
BYU originally faced roster constraints for the current season. However, the season-ending injury to Nate Pickens created an opportunity for Ahmed, allowing him to join the team without counting against the roster limit under NCAA rules. This change enables Ahmed to enjoy an extra season of revenue sharing and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities.
Recent Trends in College Basketball
Ahmed’s commitment aligns with a recent NCAA ruling permitting G-League players to compete in college basketball. In addition to BYU, teams like Santa Clara and Louisville have secured commitments from G-League athletes deemed eligible to play. Similar to pro Euroleague players, this new policy fosters a more inclusive atmosphere for talented players transitioning from professional leagues to college.
The G-League typically offers salaries around $40,000 annually, which often pales in comparison to the lucrative NIL deals available to many Division I athletes. The NCAA views these financial compensations as coverage for living expenses similar to those provided through a traditional college scholarship.
As Abdullah Ahmed prepares for his new journey with BYU, fans and analysts alike eagerly anticipate his contributions to the team.
