The Under Armour Next Elite 24 Showcase concluded Saturday with some intense matches featuring 24 of the top boys high school and international basketball players, but none were more powerful than 2025 Florida four-star recruit Sean Abaev.
The Calvary Christian Academy student in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was considered a top-40 candidate for the Class of 2025 coming into the weekend, and he solidified that status with a performance of 22 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds on 8-of-19 shooting from the field.
The 6-foot-7, 185-pound Abaev handled the ball almost every time he was on the court, directing the offense as a point forward and especially playing well in the pick-and-roll, creating shots off the dribble and setting up opportunities for his teammates.
Abaev came out really strong, opening the game with a difficult fadeaway jump shot on the baseline, then a few possessions later he got an open 3-pointer off the dribble and then a big slam shot in open space in transition.
“I could shoot from a young age,” Abaev said over the weekend. “I was a shooter. I had a feel for the ball from a young age, so I just felt like I had to stay vertical and get better because that’s what I had from a young age. I’ve always been a really good shooter, so I just had to keep working and get better.”
The four-star recruit competed early with five-star 2025 recruit Nate Ament at the forward position, attacking him offensively while also taking on a role defensively, creating a competitive spirit throughout his game.
After Ament was fouled on a drive to the basket, Abaev, despite the five-star player being two inches away from him, stomped in the post and then made a spectacular fadeaway block to steal the return.
Abaev’s strong start wasn’t over yet, as the forward answered Ament’s three-pointer with a floater and then a three-pointer off the dribble to cap a very productive first half.
While his shooting slowed down a bit in the second half, the Florida native tried to get his teammates more involved, directing the offense better and communicating better.
In particular, he had a pair of alley-oop dunks with forward Marcus Jackson, drew multiple defenders in pick-and-roll situations and made some great passes to set teammates free.
As both teams began to play more hero ball late in the game, Abaev took a few unnecessary shots which lowered his overall efficiency, but in fairness it was an “All-Star” type of game.
With a strong performance against a tough opponent and nearly achieving a triple-double, Abaev was named MVP and capped off an incredible weekend for the four-star forward.
Heading into the weekend, the forward SB Nation His goal was to prove he was recognized as one of the best players in the country, and based on his performance on Saturday, it’s safe to say that was the case.
What impressed me as I watched the matches from afar over the three days was not only Abaev’s commanding ability on the court, but also his leadership skills off the court, always encouraging his teammates during practice and encouraging them with confidence.
“I’m a born leader. Ever since I was young, I’ve always wanted to lead people,” Abaev said. “So I feel like I want to take on that role as a player. Even at the next level, it’s the hardest role to take on, because if we win, it’s the team’s achievement, but if we lose, it’s mine. So I’m going to take full responsibility for that. So, I’m grateful to be a leader and push everyone around me to try harder.”
With the UA Next Elite 24 officially over, it’s time for Abaev to focus on his senior season with his official visit fast approaching.
A top-40 prospect, he has a set list of referees as he heads to Maryland, Cincinnati, Dayton, Syracuse, Auburn and USC.
With his unique point-forward skills that have made him stand out at the high school level, now is the time to find the right fit for his future.
