With clear eyes and a clear mind, former University of Connecticut forward Isaiah Abraham jumped into the portal and is looking for a new home. Which five teams make sense for the former four-star recruit?
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According to On3’s Joe Tipton, Abraham leaves UConn with three years of eligibility. Recruited and considered a defensive specialist who can score in many ways, teams will line up at his door.
That plan never panned out for a player that looked to contribute to back-to-back national champions. Abraham logged just 32 minutes of work over nine games. Yes, he burned a year of eligibility for nine games. Earlier this winter, Abraham’s father, Faisal, told the CT Insider about his son’s issues, stating:
“He was trying to get feedback from the staff, and maybe that didn’t align with his future. He wasn’t sure of how it was going to go. He likes the school, the fans, and his teammates. He respects UConn’s coaching staff and wants what’s best for them. Eventually, at some point, he’ll figure out what’s best for him.”
You may never see 60 words carry so much weight to them. First, the misalignment of Abraham and UConn’s plans makes it sound like he would not have a chance to start. You don’t see programs outright telling their freshmen, mainly highly recruited ones.
Next, the part regarding his affinity for the school and the coaching staff means that he may not harbor resentment for what amounts to a wasted year. With that said, what schools will best suit the wing’s interests?
Marquette
When Abraham whittled down his choices, Marquette fell second to the University of Connecticut. Moreover, the Golden Eagles will say goodbye to their top scorers (Kameron Jones, David Joplin, and Stevie Mitchell).
As a result, Abraham’s three-and-d approach would fit in as one of the team’s leaders. Head coach Shaka Smart loves offense, but he prioritizes defense. Plus, the transfer would see Connecticut twice per year.
Tennessee
In the talented SEC, the Vols stand out as one of the better defensive teams. Much like Marquette, head coach Rich Barnes will lose multiple starters. Four of his top scorers will leave Knoxville for the last time this time.
Tennessee features an aggressive attack defense that wants games to end up in physical slogs that do not resemble aesthetic basketball. As for Abraham, playing in the SEC immediately raises his visibility.
Nebraska
While the Huskers seem like a wild card in this scenario, realize what head coach Fred Hoiberg is trying to accomplish. After starting 24-67 in his first two seasons in Lincoln. Since then, Nebraska has sported a 56-41 record. Nebraska remains tough to recruit, as football, volleyball, and wrestling take precedence.
However, thanks to patient administration, Hoiberg looks like he will get time. Abraham’s potential signing lessens the blow of losing leading scorer Brice Williams (20 ppg).
West Virginia
After Darian DeVries skipped town after a year, the Mountaineers need a player who looks to put down roots for at least a year or two. New coach Russ Hodges must win over the fanbase, who remain in a perpetual state of frustration. West Virginia, a tough-nosed state, wants like-minded players.
Abraham would spend his time in the wide-open Big 12, where no genuinely dominant team exists. Morgantown is roughly three hours from Abraham’s home in Fairfax, Va. As the axiom states, “There is no place like home.”
Kentucky
Mark Pope cobbled together a tournament team with many remnants of what John Calipari left behind. For all the points the Wildcats score, they surrender 77.2 of them each game, good enough for 315th out of 364 teams.
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Abraham neatly slides into the starting rotation. With all the attention on whether leading scorer Otega Oweh stays, the team needs a defensive stopper that also provides an offensive spark.
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