BYU Basketball Signs G League Player from Knicks in Bold Move
In a significant move, BYU Cougars basketball has signed Abdullah Ahmed from the NBA G League. This decision comes as part of head coach Kevin Young’s strategy for the upcoming 2026 season. Ahmed, a 6-foot-10 center, previously played for the New York Knicks’ affiliate in Westchester.
BYU’s Bold Decision to Sign G League Player
The recruitment of professional players, particularly G League talents, has stirred controversy among college basketball coaches nationally. However, Kevin Young believes this aligns with the evolving rules of college basketball.
Coach Reactions
- Bill Self, head coach at Kansas, has openly criticized this trend, expressing confusion about the direction of recruitment in college basketball.
- Michigan State coach Tom Izzo echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that allowing G League players undermines the traditional recruitment of high school players.
Izzo stated, “Kids aren’t the problem; we’re the problem,” highlighting concerns regarding the changes in recruitment regulations. Louisville also joined this movement by signing a G League player recently.
Defending the Move
During the Big 12 media days, Young defended the inclusion of G League players, equating their status to that of European basketball players who have played at a professional level. He has successfully integrated players like Egor Demin, who played for Real Madrid’s youth team, and Mihailo Boskovic from Serbia into the BYU lineup.
Younger emphasized, “The G League is no different than the Euro League.” He argued that if European players are eligible for college basketball, then G League players should be too.
The Future of College Basketball
As college basketball continues to evolve, Young’s decision to bring in a G League player like Ahmed may set a precedent for other programs. The debate over professional recruitment versus traditional high school recruitment remains a hot topic. With shifting eligibility criteria from the NCAA, BYU’s strategy may redefine future recruitment approaches within the sport.
