The spotlight is already shining on Cincinnati Bearcats' true freshman Shon Abaev, and it's impossible to ignore his rising star in the world of college basketball. But here's where it gets controversial—despite being just a freshman, Abaev is drawing significant attention from NBA scouts, signaling that his potential could make waves far beyond the college courts.
Recently, on a popular NBA Draft big board shared by basketball analyst BrianJNBA and echoed by many others on X, Abaev has secured a spot as a late first-round to early second-round pick. Specifically, he was ranked No. 30, nestled among some noteworthy names like Cayden Boozer, Tahaad Pettiford, and Alex Condon. This placement is impressive for someone so fresh into their college career.
Abaev stands tall at 6-foot-7, a height that combined with his skill set makes him a highly promising wing player. What truly sets him apart is his ability to score, especially his knack for sinking shots and stretching defenses. NBA teams value this kind of player immensely—a tall wing who not only spaces the floor effectively but also isn't a defensive liability. It’s the perfect blend of height, shooting, and defensive capability that scouts are constantly hunting for.
With the Cincinnati Bearcats’ season kickoff approaching, it's expected that Abaev’s draft stock will climb even higher. His performances early in the season could either confirm his potential or raise new questions about his readiness for professional play.
And this is the part most people miss: being a highly rated freshman doesn't guarantee success in the NBA, but it does open doors and creates excitement around a player's future. So, what do you think—will Abaev live up to this hype and become a first-round NBA pick, or will the challenges of the next few years temper expectations? Share your thoughts and let’s get the conversation started!
🏀 Cincinnati Bearcats forward Shon Abaev holds the No. 30 spot (bottom of the third tier) on BrianJNBA’s first 2026 NBA Draft Big Board, signaling a promising start to his basketball journey.
