VA Gatorade POTY Candidate: Qudus Wahab
Taking a note from fellow contributor Adam Ayalew’s “All-Met Candidate” series, we’re going to take a look at 11 guys across the state of Virginia who should compete for the coveted Gatorade State Player of the Year. While taking everything into consideration, we’re going to be looking at three categories in particular: individual production, team performance and the competition level that the programs play. We will release each candidate in alphabetical order over the next few weeks.
To get it started, we look at Flint Hill senior and nationally ranked big man Qudus Wahab.
PRODUCTION
Wahab has steadily improved over the past three seasons, and now that it’s his senior year and he’s much more polished we’re expecting a big year from him. He has two guards who can push pace with him and make plays for him off the bounce, he’s bigger and more athletic than almost anyone he’ll face and if he plays with a motor he should put up big numbers on both ends of the floor. Expect Wahab to average around a double-double with a few blocks a game, and if it’s anywhere in the vicinity of 20/10/4 he’ll be a strong candidate for this award.
PERFORMANCE
Flint Hill has steadily been built into a budding powerhouse, and with the addition of All VHSL Class 6 guard Jordan Hairston, they have the mix of size in the front court and skill in the backcourt to get the job done. With that being said, Wahab is going to have to lead them from both a production and leadership standpoint. If he can lead the team in points, rebounds and blocks and help lead them to a state final four appearance that will be huge for him.
COMPETITION
Flint Hill may not be in the WCAC, but their competition is nothing to scoff at. They play a number of top private schools in the DMV area including Episcopal, St. Andrews, St. Stephen’s St. Agnes, Maret, Potomac School, Bullis, Middleburg and many more. It’s going to be a gauntlet for Flint Hill, with very few cupcakes on their schedule.