G-League Star Abdullah Ahmed Joins BYU Basketball Team
Abdullah Ahmed, a 6-foot-10 center from Egypt, has officially committed to the Brigham Young University (BYU) basketball team as part of their 2026 recruiting class. His commitment was announced on Tuesday following an official visit to the campus over the weekend.
Commitment to BYU
During his recruitment, Ahmed selected BYU over the University of Houston. He is anticipated to enroll at BYU in late December, coinciding with the start of the Winter Semester. This move allows him to add an extra year of eligibility due to the NCAA’s ruling on roster limits linked to season-ending injuries.
Statistical Highlights
In his recent stint with the Westchester Knicks, Ahmed established himself as a dominant defensive player. Throughout the last season in the G-League, he achieved:
- Average Points: 4 per game
- Average Rebounds: 5.2 per game
- Average Blocks: 2.2 per game
- Minutes Played: 18 per game
Ahmed is recognized for his shot-blocking abilities, making him one of the top rim protectors in the G-League. In addition, he is a proficient rim runner who can effectively catch lobs.
Future Prospects at BYU
With BYU needing to replace Keba Keita after this season, Ahmed is expected to contend for the starting center role. He will likely have two years of eligibility remaining and an opportunity to redshirt during his first year.
Impact of NCAA Ruling
This recruitment marks a significant moment stemming from a recent NCAA ruling that permits G-League players to transition to college basketball. Other schools like Santa Clara and Louisville have also welcomed commitments from G-League athletes. The NCAA now views the compensation for these players as covering living expenses similar to those afforded by college scholarships.
For G-League players, the average annual salary is around $40,000, which often pales in comparison to the NIL earnings of Power Conference college players. This context makes the opportunity to play college basketball, while still having a professional background, quite appealing.
As Abdullah Ahmed prepares to join BYU, he represents a new wave of talent eager to excel in college basketball after professional experience.
