The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/406183
58 ■ THE WOLFPACKER WOLFPACK BASKETBALL PREVIEW KNOW THE PACK A Closer Look At The 2014-15 NC State Men's Basketball Team ■ Abdul-Malik Abu 0 • PF Fr. • Boston • 6-8 • 240 Analysis: Abu, in essence, is expected to at a minimum help replace departed post player Jordan Vandenberg's production in the Pack's four-player rotation at the power forward and center positions. Abu is reputed to be an advanced athlete with a combination of strength and explosiveness, plus raw but promising offensive skills. Abu is expected to play a prominent role this season. Career Highlights: Rated by Rivals.com as a four-star prospect and the No. 45 overall player in the 2014 class … Played three seasons at Kimball Union Academy in Meriden, N.H., scoring 1,284 career points and leading team to a 61-21 record … Averaged 24.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game as a senior … Named the 2014 NEPSAC Player of the Year … Played AAU basketball for Expressions Elite … Also played varsity tennis for a year at Kimball. Coach's Corner: "Malik looks the part walking in the gym, he just has to catch up. He'll get your heart started just walking in the door — he looks good." — Head coach Mark Gottfried Personal: Abu is a devout Muslim who prays five times a day and fasts during Ramadan, which is the ninth month of the year in the Islamic calendar … Majoring in communications. Ten Questions With Abdul-Malik Abu What is your biggest guilty pleasure? Playing tennis. I like to play tennis. What's the country you would most like to visit? Brazil. What's your favorite move on the basketball court? Drop-step dunk. When was your first time dunking? Eighth grade. What's your favorite ice cream flavor? Cookies and cream. What do you miss most about home? The cold weather. I don't miss it that much, but cold weather. Who has the messiest locker on the team? Kyle Washington. What were your first thoughts on the new uniforms? Amazing. Who is your favorite non-NBA professional sports team? New England Patriots. In 20 years, I will most likely be … Successful and was in the NBA. PHOTO BY KEN MARTIN