One of the better all-around class of 2025 NCAA Basketball prospects is Shon Abaev, a 6’7 small forward from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. A consensus top-30 prospect, he’s a talented scorer who can produce anywhere on the court while having the size to be a good defender on the other end.
The gifted offensive weapon has had plenty of interest from high-major programs and is now officially down to five options. All of them have something to offer Abaev, but which makes the most sense from a roster standpoint? Here’s a closer look at the teams involved.
NEWS: 2025 Top-30 recruit Shon Abaev is down to five schools, he tells @On3Recruits.
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) October 24, 2024
The 6-7 Small Forward is one of the top bucket-getters in the 2025 class. https://t.co/wDonN9ksGn pic.twitter.com/3GSbJCLzTA
Arizona State Sun Devils
The new-look roster for ASU includes senior transfer wing BJ Freeman and 5-star guard prospect Joson Sanon. It’s a roster that could use a capable scorer like Abaev, especially now that they’re in the Big 12. Compared to the other options, the Sun Devils could have the toughest past to return to NCAA Tournament contention.
Arkansas Razorbacks
Whether at Kentucky or now Arkansas, Coach John Calipari would be interested in a prospect like Abaev. The team already has a couple of 4-star freshmen wings in Karter Knox and Billy Richmond, who could be gone to the NBA as soon as this year. Still, knowing the team could add either 5-stars or big-name transfers, Abaev could deal with a future logjam.
Auburn Tigers
Considering that almost the entire roster comprises seniors, there’s a big need for both a wing and a capable scorer like Abaev. He’d replace Chad Baker-Mazara and Chris Moore in the frontcourt rotation. As we saw with former 5-star freshman Jabari Smith, Coach Bruce Pearl is willing to let first-year guys lead the offense.
Cincinnati Bearcats
Cincy has used a three-guard offense for the last year, using big guards. But with Simas Lukosius and Dan SKillings being upperclassmen and freshman Tyler Betsey not being proven yet, there’s a need for Abaev to come in and have an impact. He’s the type of target the Bearcats need in the Big 12 to be a top-half team.
Oregon Ducks
Oregon has a pair of 5-star wings on the roster in Mookie Cook and KJ Evans, who each dealt with injuries as freshmen. Between them and senior guards TJ Bamba and Ra’Heim Moss only having one season left each, the Ducks could be in the market for Abaev as the first commit in the 2025 class.