Forward Malik Abdullahi Talks EYBL, FAU Offer and Miami Interest

Class of 2024 forward Malik Abdullahi is in store for a breakout spring and the summer on the Nike EYBL circuit with Nightrydas 16U. At Session 1 in Atlanta from April 21-23, the do-it-all rising senior averaged 9.3 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.

Still, Abdullahi thinks there’s room for improvement after his circuit-season debut.

“There were a couple of things I could’ve done better. Definitely rebounding, I feel like there was a couple possessions that I felt like I could’ve got that rebound and didn’t,” Abdullahi told LifeWallet Sports. “I’m just watching film, just looking at everything, and I feel like I just need to be more aggressive, getting my teammates involved. Just do the little things like off-ball, the flares, the down screens, all that type of stuff. I feel like I need to be more active off-ball.”

Abdullahi is used to the high level of competition that he has and will continue to face in EYBL play. He was a vital part of a Miami Columbus (Fla.) team that won its second-straight state title and The Throne National Championship.

“Last year, we made history, just winning states and then being able to do it again, it’s remarkable, it’s crazy. It’s very hard to win again so that’s one thing I never take for granted,” Abdullahi said. “I love those guys. We play as a team. The chemistry is top-tier, so just being a part of that atmosphere, the bond that we have and to really start it all. Before this team, there wasn’t really anything going on with the basketball program at Columbus so I feel like just being a part of this program and starting that for us is amazing.”

Months away from his final high school season, Abdullahi is in the midst of his college recruitment. He’s received offers from Florida Atlantic, Florida International, Albany and other mid-major programs.

The Owls, fresh off a historic Final Four run, were one of the first programs to pursue the 6-foot-8 forward.

“Me and FAU, they’re probably one of the first schools to start recruiting me once the whole recruiting process started. I’ve been in contact with them for a while. I’ve been on an [unoffical] visit. I’ve been to some games. Me and the coaching staff, we have a good relationship. We talk constantly. It’s basically the backyard. They’re not that far of a drive from where I’m at, two hours maybe,” Abdullahi said. “They’re just consistent, and that’s the thing that as a recruiter, as a coach, being consistent and building a relationship is good.”

Indiana State, Appalachian State, Brown, Pennsylvania, VCU, St. John’s and Miami are among the schools that have shown interest in Abdullahi, who says that he and Hurricanes head coach Jim Larrañaga have “kept in touch” ever since the coach visited one of Columbus’ practices before the 2022-23 season.

Next up for Abdullahi, he’ll be in Phoenix with Nightrydas 16U for the second EYBL session from April 28-30.