In a significant move for BYU Basketball, the Cougars have signed Abdullah Ahmed, a player from the NBA’s G League, to their roster for the upcoming 2026 season. Head coach Kevin Young announced the commitment, which positions Ahmed as a crucial asset for the team.
Abdullah Ahmed: The New Addition to BYU
Standing at 6-foot-10, Ahmed has spent the last two seasons playing for the New York Knicks’ G League affiliate in Westchester. His signing reflects a rising trend in college basketball, where former professional players transition into collegiate play.
- Player: Abdullah Ahmed
- Height: 6’10”
- Previous Team: New York Knicks (G League affiliate)
- Season: 2026
The Controversy Surrounding G League Signings
The addition of players from the G League has sparked debate among college coaches. Notably, Kansas coach Bill Self has openly criticized this trend, questioning the future of recruiting in college basketball. He expressed concerns about shifting focus from high school talent to players already in pro systems.
Similarly, Michigan State coach Tom Izzo voiced his frustration. He noted that the NCAA’s decisions surrounding eligibility appear to bypass the opinions of college coaches, leading to uncertainty and frustration within the coaching community.
Kevin Young’s Perspective
Coach Young responded to the backlash during the Big 12 media days. He defended the inclusion of G League players, arguing they should not be treated differently from European players who have also played professionally. Young highlighted BYU’s positive experiences with similar signings in the past, including star point guard Egor Demin, who played for Real Madrid, and Mihailo Boskovic, a former professional player from Serbia.
“The G League is no different than the Euro League,” Young stated, emphasizing that the distinction comes only when players are under NBA contracts. He advocates for equal opportunities for G League players, noting, “As long as European players can play, G League players should, too.”
BYU’s strategy to recruit professionally experienced athletes reflects an evolving landscape in college basketball. As the NCAA adapts to these changes, further discussions among coaches and officials may be necessary to address the ongoing controversies in player eligibility.
