The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/157974
■ basketBALL recruiting Two Senior Power Forwards Closing In On College Decisions Abu pointed out he enjoyed how the Wolfsaid. "I was still tentative on my ankle early By Jacey Zembal pack utilize the power forward position. in the tourney. I didn't really play that well. C State has narrowed its options in try"I liked how their offense works and It seems like every time Coach Gottfried ing to land a coveted post player for the their system," Abu said. "They would know watches me, I don't play too well. Then November signing period. how to get guys like me open in different when he's gone, I play really good. Meriden (N.H.) Kimball Union Acadareas. C.J. [Leslie] scored in a variety of "I really just stopped thinking about emy senior power forward Abdul-Malik different ways and was set up in a varimy ankle too much, took some Advil and Abu and Clayton (N.C.) High senior power played hard." forward Gary Clark are the The 6-7, 205-pound Rilone recruits who have revals.com three-star prospect cently unofficially visited stopped by NC State followNC State. ing the Nike Peach Jam to Abu and Clark have differfind out whether he'd be part ent announcement schedules, of the Wolfpack recruiting though recruits have always plans moving forward. proven that nothing is set in "They were texting me stone. and calling me to see how Abu unofficially visited it was with schools, and if NC State, Providence, FlorI'd commit on sight," Clark ida and Connecticut — all said. "My high school coach from Aug. 10-21 — and is [Denny Medlin] and I said set to make his college anwe couldn't wait any more on nouncement the weekend of an offer. They said they were Sept. 7. going to go full on moving Clark unofficially visited forward. NC State July 16 and came "I really wanted to prove away with a scholarship ofthat I was a high major player fer. He will officially visit this summer and could play Sept. 19-21, and watch the against anybody." Clemson at NC State football The productive inside-outgame during his first night of side threat had participated the trip. in NC State's team camp in Abu has been relatively June, and Gottfried probably quiet concerning his unoffihas evaluated Clark as much cial trips, but did have numeras any prospect in the class ous positive statements about of 2014, excluding Wolfpack the Wolfpack. He unofficially visited Aug. 11-12 with his Rivals.com ranks Abdul-Malik Abu of Meriden (N.H.) Kimball Union Academy as senior wing commits Caleb the nation's No. 50 overall player. Martin and Cody Martin of cousin. photo courtesy mike pegram Mouth of Wilson (Va.) Oak The 6-8, 233-pound Boston ety of ways. That is what sold me, and it Hill Academy. native had never been to Raleigh before, but seemed like I was a good fit. "It's exciting since I've wanted this offer enjoyed the change in environment. "That's why I'm highly considering since my freshman year," Clark said. "If I "I just liked the southern hospitality, them." had been offered my freshman or sophoand it was fun," Abu said. "Everyone was Clark was thrilled at the news he earned more year, I'd probably have committed just real nice. It was a good vibe from the a Wolfpack scholarship offer from assistant on the spot. Other schools have given me people there." coach Rob Moxley. NCSU was his favorite more interest, so that's opened up my view Abu didn't go through the usual hype team growing up. on things." of an official visit, though the school he Clark played great in his last three NC State, Wake Forest, Cincinnati, Mieventually picks in September will receive games of the Nike Peach Jam (July 11ami, Maryland and Clemson are his top an official. 14) in North Augusta, S.C., to help lead six schools. Clark said he first became a Abu did get to see the nuts and bolts CP3 to a runner-up finish. Clark and CP3 Wolfpack fan in the fifth grade after playof the Wolfpack program, including PNC reached the title game July 14 before falling with a team full of other NCSU fans. Arena and the Dail practice facility. ing 108‑102 to Each 1 Teach 1. Clark NC State is looking at him as a power "The facilities are great, top of the line strung together three straight games of at forward in their UCLA-styled attack. He and relatively new," Abu said. "That was least 20 points and 10 rebounds to end the averaged 24 points and 14 rebounds per good to see." event, including 20 points and 14 rebounds game for Clayton High last season. Rivals.com ranks Abu as the No. 50 in the title game. "I like their offense and watched C.J. overall player in the class of 2014. He ac"I think [NCSU assistant] Coach [OrLeslie in it," Clark said. "A lot of people cumulated at least 20 scholarship offers lando] Early was there watching me," Clark think I'm like C.J. Leslie coming out of before narrowing his list to four Aug. 7. N 82 ■ the wolfpacker 82-85.BKB Recruiting.indd 82 8/23/13 12:57 PM