Recruiting Report: Caden Najdawi (2017)
Having an older brother who’s already been through the recruiting process can be a huge blessing, which is the case for Najdawi who’s older brother Zane just finished his freshman season at The Citadel. Seeing his brother find success in…
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Continue ReadingHaving an older brother who’s already been through the recruiting process can be a huge blessing, which is the case for Najdawi who’s older brother Zane just finished his freshman season at The Citadel. Seeing his brother find success in a sport they both love has been great, but it’s also been a battle to prove for Najdawi that he’s not the same as his brother.
“I think I have the advantage of being able to play more on the perimeter and defend as well as score outside, where Zane was more dominant in the post,” he said.
Najdawi has began to make a name for himself, as the 6’7” forward led Cosby to a second straight Conference 3 Championship and a spot in the 6A State Quarterfinals. He has the same frame as his brother, add an inch or two, but he’s more mobile and comfortable playing around the three point line. He still blocks shots and rebounds like a big man, but he’s able to use his length and athleticism to guard wings as well.
Zane, who’s only offer was from The Citadel, had a terrific freshman season, breaking the Southern Conference record for blocks in a season for a freshman. Zane was always a highly productive and skilled player, but many schools were drawn back at the idea of recruiting a 6’6” forward. This was all stuff that Caden learned from, as he’s going through his recruitment process.
Caden Najdawi has improved immensely over the last two seasons.“His process taught me to be patient and keep all of my options open,” Najdawi said. “He’s really helped me with communicating with college coaches since he’s been through it. I’ve learned that when it comes time to choose a college I need to pick the school with the best fit for me that can help me benefit when my basketball career is over.”
Najdawi, who also sports a 3.9 GPA in the classroom, took a big leap in his game between his sophomore and junior year. With his brother gone, he took the reigns of his team, and they had another 6’8” player which allowed Caden to cause mismatches as teams had to choose to go big and matchup with them or let him dominate smaller wings.
He spent the fall playing volleyball for one of the best teams in the state, so his aggression, competitiveness and athleticism were more visible as well. He also showed a high motor, and seemed to always make the right play at the right time.
Although he’s without an offer now, Najdawi says a handful of college coaches have expressed interest to him and his coaches. He’s took an unofficial visit to Longwood, and lists VMI, American, Lafayette and Columbia as schools that have inquired about him as well.
While he shares some qualities of his brother such as good size, athleticism and a high motor, the biggest similarity they have is that they are extremely underrated and over looked. Whatever school decides to make a push for him has a chance to get a hard working, intelligent kid with a lot of upside.