The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/743343
60 ■ THE WOLFPACKER BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2016-17 MEET THE PACK A Closer Look At The 2016-17 NC State Men's Basketball Team PHOTO BY KEN MARTIN 60 ■ THE WOLFPACKER ■ Abdul-Malik Abu 0 • PF Jr. • Boston • 6-8 • 240 Analysis: After flirting with leaving NC State for the NBA, Abu returned for his junior season. The Wolfpack is counting on Abu emerging into one of the premier post players in the ACC. He is a great athlete around the basket and has been working hard to add a mid-range game to his repertoire. He has a chance to be an All-ACC player. Career Highlights: As a sophomore, tied for second on the team in scoring (12.9 points per game) and led the Pack in rebounding (8.8 boards per con - test) … Finished fifth in rebounding in the ACC and third in offensive boards (3.58 per game) … Had 14 double-doubles, including a career-high 22 points and 11 rebounds against Florida State … Had 53 dunks … Started 22 games as a freshman … Posted 13 points and 12 boards in the NCAA Tournament win over LSU … Had a season-best 19 points at Miami … 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 his team to a 61-21 record … Averaged 24.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game as a senior. Coach's Corner: "He's got the physique and the body that he can be an unbelievable rebounder; like in our league he could lead this league if he makes his mind up and if that's important to him every night." — 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. STATISTICS Year G-GS MPG PPG RPG APG FG% 3FG% FT% 2014-15 36-22 19.1 6.4 4.8 0.6 46.8 20.0 56.3 2015-16 33-33 28.3 12.9 8.8 1.3 49.0 — 63.0 Ten Questions With Abdul-Malik Abu What is your hidden talent? I think it's my singing ability. I am trying to drop an album and go platinum. What sports icon would you like to have dinner with? Michael Jordan. Is Kevin Durant signing with Golden State good or bad for the NBA? I don't criticize his decision, because you have to make a busi- ness decision, but I couldn't go to the rival team that beat me. If you weren't wearing No. 0, what number would you want? 9. What's your dream car? The DeLorean from "Back to the Future." Who is the best dunker on the team? Got to be me. I don't have the tricks that these young guys do, but I dunk on people in games. That's what matters. How many pair of shoes do you think you currently have? Too many, but I wear my flip-flops until winter. What's your favorite city you have ever visited? Los Angeles. Down one in the national title game with one second left and two free throws, who on the team do you want taking the shots? My man Dennis [Smith Jr.]. What is your favorite season of the year? Fall.