BYU is reportedly getting a reinforcement for its frontcourt.
Former NBA G League center Abdullah Ahmed, who committed to the Cougars in November, will make his debut with the team on Monday, according to a report Saturday from On3 Sports’ Joe Tipton.
Ahmed was originally planning to redshirt this season but will instead take the floor immediately for No. 10 BYU in its pursuit of a deep NCAA Tournament run.
The NCAA granted the 6-foot-10 Egyptian three years of eligibility, having recently ruled G League players eligible to play in college, which allowed for Ahmed to land in Provo.
In 18 games with the Westchester Knicks over the past two seasons, Ahmed averaged 3.8 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game.
“He’s an elite rim protector and rebounder with great size, length, and skilll,” BYU head coach Kevin Young said in a statement at the time of Ahmed’s signing with the Cougars.
”We love his defensive mindset, his ability to run the floor and the energy he plays with around the basket. He’s going to help anchor our defense, finish plays at the rim and give us a real presence in the paint, along with skill that fits in great with our style of play.“
The addition of Ahmed is crucial for the Cougars, who have received inconsistent contributions behind starter Keba Keita at the 5 spot this season and will now have more rotational flexibility going forward.
Keita missed BYU’s win Friday over Abilene Christian because of illness.
The Cougars will face Eastern Washington Monday at the Marriott Center in their final nonconference game before Big 12 play begins on Jan. 3 at Kansas State.