Sunday March 30, 2025

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn HOL) — Monmouth star guard Abdi Bashir Jr., the NCAA’s leading three-point shooter, is declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft while maintaining his collegiate eligibility and entering the transfer portal, sources told ESPN.

Bashir emerged as one of college basketball’s elite perimeter threats this season, hitting an NCAA-high 127 three-pointers while averaging 20.1 points per game. Despite Monmouth’s struggles—finishing 13-20—Bashir’s scoring prowess vaulted him into national prominence, making him a coveted target for multiple high-major programs.

In a statement obtained by ESPN, Bashir emphasized gratitude for his time at Monmouth and the difficult decision ahead:

“My time at Monmouth has been incredible, and I deeply appreciate the support from my coaches, teammates, and fans. After careful consideration, I’ve decided to test the NBA waters while exploring transfer opportunities to find the best fit for my development and career.”

Monmouth head coach King Rice has been a vocal advocate for Bashir’s potential, notably following his 10 three-pointer performance against Rutgers earlier this year. Rice said, “He’s proven himself at an elite level. Abdi Bashir Jr. has NBA talent.”

NBA scouts, however, point to Bashir’s overall efficiency as an area needing improvement. He shot just 37.7% from the field this past season, raising concerns among evaluators about his decision-making and shot selection under defensive pressure. Additionally, scouts noted his turnover-to-assist ratio—averaging 2.8 turnovers against just 2.2 assists per game—as an area of concern.

Still, Bashir’s elite shooting and scoring ability have drawn considerable attention from premier college programs, sources said, including Kansas, Kentucky, Alabama, Oregon, and UCLA.

Kansas coach Bill Self sees Bashir as a potential immediate contributor who could boost the Jayhawks’ perimeter scoring. Meanwhile, Kentucky and Alabama view him as a high-upside talent whose efficiency could significantly improve within their respective systems.

UCLA presents another intriguing scenario for Bashir, especially considering his younger brother Abdul is committed to Auburn, raising speculation about potential family dynamics playing into his decision.

Ultimately, Bashir’s choice is expected to hinge on finding the right balance between immediate playing opportunities and the chance to enhance his NBA draft stock. Top-tier programs might proceed cautiously, but those in need of instant scoring will likely pursue him aggressively.