The transfer gateway is in full action across college basketball, and Florida State has finally made its first commitment of the cycle. They saw six players transfer out, giving them plenty of leeway to make more acquisitions to their already packed incoming freshman class.
Following two visits over the weekend, Florida State has gained Shon Abaev, a 6’7 left-handed wing who averaged 7. 0 points and 2. 9 rebounds per game as a freshman at Cincinnati last season. He is a former top-25 selection in the strong class of 2025 and hails from Broward County. Luke Loucks has made it a priority to discover gifted youngsters in Florida, and this one qualifies.
Abaev initially picked Cincy over Auburn, Arkansas, Arizona State, and Oregon, and was a McDonald’s All-American. He is the first Seminole to play in the McDonald’s All-American Game since MJ Walker in 2017. Scottie Barnes was named to the game in 2020, however it was postponed owing to COVID-19.
Florida State has up to six slots open for transfer and foreign athletes. Abaev is a excellent beginning point for their goal to expand on a successful first season. He will require some development, but this team demonstrated last year that they can develop players, thus this is a wager that their staff can create elite talent. This is an excellent way to begin the process.
Scouting Shon Abaev.
Shon Abaev had a strange freshman season at Cincinnati, since he didn’t play much in Big 12 play yet delivered some strong performances. He scored 20 points and grabbed 8 rebounds against NJIT, 16 points against Xavier, 14 points against Dayton, 13 points against Arizona, and 12 points against Louisville.
Coming out of high school, he was considered as a lethal scorer and tough shot-maker who could defeat anybody off the dribble while also having a strong three-point stroke. That didn’t quite show itself at Cincy last year, but the ability is unquestionably present. At 6’7″ and 210 pounds, he possesses the height and agility to be an outstanding ACC opponent.
He has a strong release, which allows him to score over anybody, and he is an excellent athlete. He will not be a knockdown shooter immediately, but that skill can be readily taught. Because he’s so difficult to halt on the open floor, he’s an ideal fit for FSU.
Here’s a terrific scouting report from 247’s Adam Finkelstein.
He is a tall southpaw wing with great positional size and an increasingly strong physique. He is a volume scorer who is capable of creating his own shot at almost any time, even against a set half-court defense. His height, combined with his high release point, enables him to score above opposing defenders on a regular basis, and he is a difficult shot-maker off the dribble. He’s capable of driving downhill, especially on the open floor, playing through touch more regularly, and thus getting to the free-throw line more frequently. He also has a sophisticated arsenal of runners and floaters while driving the lane, and he has improved as a spot-up shooter. One of the most important factors in projecting Abaev to the next level is how well he will adjust to playing with other outstanding individuals, when he will have less flexibility and output. Right now, he is a ball-stopper who likes to size up his opponent and play from isolation. Because he can fire his shot at any moment, he has a propensity to settle for contested shots, such as challenging twos. His overall efficiency will be determined by his willingness to be a ball-mover and use his large scoring arsenal in the context of a more balanced attack. Ironically, Abaev has demonstrated flashes of being a competent wing passer, both on the dribble and while running off ball screens. It’s only a question of him being a more willing passer and requiring less time with the ball in his hands on each catch. Abaev is athletically capable of leaping far above the rim for powerful finishes, yet certain aspects of his entire body mechanics are unconventional. He has a propensity to play upright, bowing more at the waist than in his lower body. The progression of his right hand is also an important element to consider moving forward. Abaev is a high-volume wing rebounder and tough defender who performs well on that end of the court.
