Sani Ibrahim Improving

When the summer evaporated on the AAU tournaments, so did some of the opportunity for a chance at the NBA for Sani Ibrahim, a 6-11 center now at Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia.

Ibrahim has been working hard, trying to re-capture what many thought was going to be a jump from the high school level to the NBA. At this stage of Ibrahim's career, it will be difficult for him to reach that goal.

"He is averaging a double-double the past several games," Oak Hill Academy head coach Steve Smith. "I think what Sani needs to do is finish better around the basket. He has the moves in the low post. He is working hard on both ends of the floor."

Smith said some schools are still keeping an eye on Ibrahim -- Alabama, West Virginia, Indiana, and Georgia. The question is can Ibrahim qualify academically. Smith doesn't discuss details of any player's academic situation. He would only say that Sani is doing the best he has ever done at a school. "He is working hard in the classroom," Smith said. "I feel for him. He got behind a little bit and he is trying to catch up."

But our sources indicate that Ibrahim is going to have to go the JUCO route or even a year of prep school. "I don't know what his future is right now," Smith said. "But I can tell you Sani is working hard on and off the court."

It appears unless Ibrahim lights it up over the next four months he will likely have to consider some time in the JUCO ranks or at a prep school.