Sani Ibrahim Makes Push For NBA
The NBA scouts are there. They are there to watch Sani Ibrahim, a 6-11 center from the Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia. They might also be there to watch Carmelo Anthony too of Oak Hill. But Anthony will likely play a season at Syracuse before he thinks about the NBA.
But this is showcase time for Ibrahim, who was less than great this past summer. And it appears after his talk with Steve Smith that Sani has picked up the intensity.
Advertisement
"We spoke after the Tabor game," Smith said. "I think he is playing much better after we discussed some things."
The Tabor game was a couple of weekends ago when Smith decided to sit Sani out most of the game. "I felt we needed another lineup on the court," Smith said. "So we decided to use our bench more."
Oak Hill won the game. Then Smith spoke to Ibrahim. And Sani has responded in positive fashion. "He has scored a double-double the last three games," Smith said. "He is much more active offensively."
Ibrahim has recorded games of 25, 18, and 20 points as well as double figures in rebounds. "He looks much better," Smith said. "We are going to need Sani when we get into these big tournaments. If we have Sani playing this well, we will be tougher to beat."
Oak Hill plays perhaps the toughest schedule on the high school level. So Ibrahim has a chance to improve against the top competition in the country. It's why NBA scouts show up at Oak Hill games. The talent is there but the competition is steep.
This is Sani's chance to show he can play in the league.