No. 50-ranked Abdul-Malik Abu selects NC State
ROXBURY CROSSING, Mass. — Boston native Abdul-Malik Abu capped his whirlwind recruitment Saturday by picking NC State over his other three finalists at the Reggie Lewis Center.
The 6-foot-8, 233-pound senior power forward from Meriden (N.H.) Kimball Union Academy selected NC State over Florida, UConn and Providence, among his 20-plus scholarship offers.
"[I liked] how they used their forwards and how I would be a main option," Abu said. "Overall, great people over there. People have a lot of different opinions about them, but I'm a good judge of genuineness — I really felt that."
Abu unofficially visited all four colleges between Aug. 10-21, and officially visited both Florida and NC State this past week. The Rivals.com No. 50-ranked overall player has a versatile offensive game and impressive athletic ability.
"The visit was just to get a feel for the players," Abu said. "I feel like I would have made the same decision without it just based on opportunity. You have to make the best basketball decision for you. I just want to go and leave my impact on Tobacco Road and go on from there."
Abu joins No. 59-ranked Caleb Martin and No. 106-ranked Cody Martin, who are twin brothers on the wing from Mocksville, N.C., and attend Mouth of Wilson (Va.) Oak HIll Academy.
Abu was offered by NC State following the April evaluation period, but only needed four months to know the Wolfpack fit what he was looking for in a college. NC State coach Mark Gottfried and assistant coach Orlando Early watched him throughout the July evaluation period, and he came down Aug. 11-12 for his unofficial visit.
"Coach Gottfried's just a real personable guy, he's laid back, and we just have one thing in common — we want to win national championships," Abu said. "I feel like together, with me, that's possible. I hope to have a great season this year, but I'm looking forward to getting there and working to win a championship."
Abu and the Martin twins will be able to sign their letter of intents during the November signing period Nov. 13-20.
NCSU has one scholarship slot remaining for the class of 2014. The Wolfpack are also scheduled to have Clayton (N.C.) High senior power forward Gary Clark officially visit Sept. 19-21.
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