4-star wing Kigab set to announce college choice
Track the pending decision of 4-star small forward Abu Kigab on the HENSON COURT message board. OrangeandBlueNews.com analyst Brad Sturdy updates the recruitment and pending decision as new information becomes available.
Two schools are left standing as 4-star wing Abu Kigab from Napa (Calif.) Prolific Prep, with a decision looming. Kigab is set to pull the trigger with an announcement planned via his Twitter account.
“It’s Oregon or Illinois,” Kigab said. “I’m going to announce it on Friday at around 3 o’clock western time.”
Kigab was on campus in Champaign for an official visit in September. He got to tour the campus, get to know the current players and the coaching staff, and run with the team in an open scrimmage.
Originally from St. Catherines, Ontario, Kigab played for the Canadian U19 national team. He has become accustomed to being away from home and says the location of the college that he picks won’t be a factor.
Kigab also holds offers from Cal, USC, Baylor, Minnesota, Virginia Tech, and others.
He isn’t tipping his hand, but Kigab did break down what he likes the most about each school that made his final two.
Oregon. “It’s a great place. The people are very welcoming. They really show you love out there. The school has everything you need to succeed – the training facilities, the coaches, and the players. It’s up to you to succeed, but Oregon has everything that you need.”
Illinois. “There’s a great opportunity with five seniors leaving, including Malcolm Hill. They told me they want me to fill his shoes. It’s a great situation there. I really like what they showed me. The development of players is great in the weight room, and also on the court.”
OREGON THE FAVORITE
According to OrangeandBlueNews.com hoops analyst Brad Sturdy, Oregon heads into decision day as the favorite to land Kigab.
The two biggest factors in the Illini’s favor is an opportunity for early playing time at the “3” and the relationship that Kigab has with the Illini staff. Assistant coach Dustin Ford recruits Kigab for the Illini. If Illinois is to pull off a surprise and land Kigab, the opportunity step on the court right away will have been the deciding factor.
OrangeandBlueNews.com spoke to Kigab late Wednesday night. After mulling things over with a support group, the decision is in and Kigab is ready to announce his college choice.
“I talked to my family and my coaches,” Kigab said. “It came down to me. I have to follow my heart. They gave me some advice. They told me that wherever I go, they will support me and be there for me. That made the decision easy for me. “
Illinois would like to add Kigab to a recruiting class that is currently ranked in the top ten in the nation and includes 5-star big man Jeremiah Tilmon.
Oregon just landed 4-star wing Victor Bailey, the No. 94 prospect in the nation. There’s also a chance that Ducks’ high scoring forward Dillon Brooks could leave early for the NBA following the 2016-17 season, leaving an opportunity for Kigab.
At 6-foot-6, Kigab is a versatile wing. He ran with the EYBL club Oakland Soldiers on the AAU summer circuit, averaging 10 points and 5.5 rebounds.
Kigab said that whichever school lands him, they will get a player who can play multiple positions and impact the game at both ends.
“I bring a competitive nature,” Kigab said. “I think I can affect the game, not just for a scoring standpoint. I’m versatile. I can be a matchup problem on both offense and defense. I’m not one dimensional.”
Who are the top Fighting Illini basketball recruiting targets? We break it all down in the BLOCK I REPORT
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