Interview: Ahmad Nowell Philly’s Top 2024 Player
Ahmad Nowell (6’0″ / Combo Guard / Team Final) has yet to step foot in a high school classroom, but those in the know have had an eye on him for a year now. One of the top Class of…
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Continue ReadingAhmad Nowell (6’0″ / Combo Guard / Team Final) has yet to step foot in a high school classroom, but those in the know have had an eye on him for a year now. One of the top Class of 2024 players in Pennsylvania and a nationally ranked phenom, Nowell is going to take the Philadelphia Catholic League by storm next winter.
The scouting report on the star of Team Final’s 15U squad is very impressive. Nowell can rain in threes and attack the rim off the dribble. A physical guard with outstanding handles and footwork, Nowell is also a willing passer who when defenses collapse on him, can kick out to open shooters along the arc. Still, Nowell is probably at his best when pushing the transition game where he excels at scoring the ball and dropping dimes. As a bonus to all of his ridiculous offensive skills, Nowell is a solid defender and shot blocker.
And the kid is only a rising 9th grader.
I recently jumped on the phone to catch up with Nowell who is down in Miami these days putting in some work.
Prep Hoops: I understand your down in Miami right now, what sends you down to South Beach?
Nowell: We are just working out with the guys – me and Tasheed (former Saint Joe’s guard Tasheed Carr is Ahmad’s mentor/trainer), Byron Hopkins Byron Hopkins 6'0" | PG Upper Moreland | 2022 State PA , Jalen Duren and some others.
Prep Hoops: Obviously Covid-19 has had a huge impact on the summer hoops schedule. Have you been able to participate in any tournaments and camps this summer?
Nowell: No, I haven’t. I have been just working out.
Prep Hoops: How did you use the down time during the Covid-19 pandemic to improve yourself?
Nowell: I am watching a lot of film and doing conditioning to stay in shape.
Prep Hoops: Are you watching your own game film or that of NBA players?
Nowell: Other point guards. I watch Ja Morant. I watch some of Isaiah Thomas (Bad Boys Isaiah) and Magic Johnson.
Prep Hoops: I know you have been working with former SJU Hawks standout Tasheed Carr. What elements of your game are you concentrating on improving?
Nowell: Really my all-around game. Shooting and ball handling, spacing, court awareness, moving without the ball.
Prep Hoops: How do you describe yourself as a baller?
Nowell: A leader. A player who can score at all three levels. But also somebody who plays defense. A guy who can win you a game.
Prep Hoops: You have a reputation as an outstanding defender. Tell me what goes into being a good defender.
Nowell: It’s a mindset. You need play with energy and heart. You need to communicate with the other players on the court. Talking to your teammates is key.
Prep Hoops: Is there an NBA player that your game / skill set resembles?
Nowell: I would say that I am a mix of a couple players. I don’t see myself as one player in particular. I think I pass the ball and see the floor like Magic. I get to the rim like Ja (Morant). I have the mentality of Kobe.
Prep Hoops: What’s it like to play for Team Final, one of the legendary Philly AAU programs?
Nowell: It’s very cool and fun. But they definitely make us work hard — a lot.
Prep Hoops: How do you handle the spotlight that comes with being one of the top rising 9th graders in Pennsylvania?
Nowell: I think I handle it well. I use it. It’s like a chip on my shoulder that helps me focus and stay locked in so that I play my best in games.
Prep Hoops: When you play at a camp or tournament, can you feel that everyone is gunning for you?
Nowell: I am not sure that everyone is gunning for me, but I am gunning for everybody else.
Prep Hoops: You’re headed to Conwell-Egan (Fairless Hills, PA) for HS to help rebuild a program that was 0-14 last season in Philadelphia Catholic League action. Are you ready for that challenge?
Nowell: Yes, I am ready. Hopefully I can help make that record way better than it was last year. I am a leader and I think I can handle the pressure.
Prep Hoops: What went into your decision to attend Conwell-Egan?
Nowell: I felt it was the best place for me to go for the next step and then in the long run for where I want to go – the NBA. I am familiar with them (the coaching staff) and that helped.
Prep Hoops: Was selecting a high school a difficult process for you?
Nowell: Yes. I had many options and I had to look at a bunch of factors in order to decide what was best for my future. My trainer and mentor Tasheed Carr was involved in helping me make the decision.
Prep Hoops: Let’s wrap this up with a couple off-the-court questions. First, if you had to stay in the NBA bubble down in Orlando, what are 3 things you must take with you?
Nowell: Probably my game. Clothes and shoes. I got a collection of shoes at home. Designer ones like Dolce & Gabbana and Alexander McQueen. Ohh, Xbox and snacks too.
Prep Hoops: Tik Tok or Instagram?
Nowell: You can say both.
Prep Hoops: What / who is your favorite basketball related follow on social media?
Nowell: I would say Lethal Shooter (@lethalshooter – aka Chris Matthews). The way he shoots the ball into rims with no backboards and crates and stuff like that, it’s interesting and so ridiculous.
Thanks to Ahmad for his time and answers. Best of luck during his freshman season