Abukar Ready For First Trip

KINGWOOD, Tex. -- Mohamed Abukar, a skilled 6-9, 195 pound combination forward from Rancho Bernardo H.S. in Rancho Bernardo, Calif., will take his first official visit next weekend.

Abukar told the Insiders Report/Rivalshoops.com that he will visit the University of Georgia from May 3-5. He has narrowed his focus this spring to Kansas and Jim Harrick's Bulldog program, but has not yet set up a trip to visit Roy Williams' Jayhawk program his spring.

"I am not sure if I am going to visit Kansas this spring or in the fall," Abukar said. "Those are my two leaders, and I am focusing on those right now, but I am still open."

Abukar will not add any schools to his list until he visits one or both of the two finalists on his list. Should he find either Kansas or Georgia not to his liking, Abukar said he could throw his process open at a later date.

Abukar averaged 22 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and four blocks per game as a junior this past season at Rancho Bernardo.

This past weekend at the Kingwood Classic in Texas, Abukar played with Ollie Goulston and Pat Barrett's Southern California All-Stars squad. He impressed us tremendously with his gliding style out on the basketball court. Simply put, he makes difficult things look easy on the court.

While he will need to bulk up and get significantly stronger for the major college level, Abukar can put the ball on the deck and has range out to three point land. Despite his lithe frame, Abukar is a terrific finger roll finisher, where he uses his long arms to extend and finish quite proficiently in the paint. He's also a savvy passer who throws good outlet passes to push the break.

Abukar said he has a 2.7 GPA and has already recorded a qualifying SAT score. He will take the SAT again in June because he wants to improve his score.

Abukar will have a busy spring and summer ahead. He plans on attending the NBA Players Association Camp in Richmond, Va., in June, and then will hit the live circuit hard in July starting with the adidas ABCD Camp in New Jersey.

He will play with the Southern California All-Stars at the adidas Big Time Tournament after ABCD, and may attend Dinos Trigonis' Full Court Press Camp between those two events.

Rivalshoops.com will keep you posted on Abukar, who should rank as one of the better forwards in the Class of 2003 when all is said and done.