Abdel Nader is “grateful” to be a Cyclone

The power of a second chance…Never doubt it.

Fred Hoiberg has been handing out second chances ever since he became Iowa State’s head basketball coach just over three years ago. Hoiberg dispersed of another one on Friday when Abdel Nader, a 6-foot-8 transfer from Northern Illinois, pledged his commitment to the Cyclones. 

“To me, it is a fresh start,” Nader told Cyclone Fanatic. “Not many people get a second chance. I am really grateful and I am going to take advantage of it.” 

Nader, who will sit out next season and have two seasons of eligibility after that, averaged 13.1 points and 5.6 rebounds per game last season at Northern Illinois. To him, the pressure is on to make the most of his time in Ames. 

“It is a deal where you don’t want to let them down,” said Nader. “He basically gave me my life back. I felt an instant connection with Coach Fred from the first day that I met him. I feel like I’ve known him my whole life. He’s a great guy.” 

Assistant coach Matt Abdelmassih was Iowa State’s primary recruiter for Nader.

Nader officially visited Iowa State earlier this week. While on campus, he was shown highlight packages of Will Clyburn’s senior season. Like Clyburn, Nader is a versatile basketball prospect that can play multiple positions.

“I think that is the thing that attracted them the most,” said Nader. “They showed me clips of him (Clyburn) and plays that they would run for me. It fit me perfectly.”

As for Iowa State’s up-tempo system…

“I am the type of player who likes to get out and run. I am the type of player who likes to score a lot of points. Who wouldn’t want to play in a system like that you know?”

Nader said that he plans to sign a financial aid agreement with Iowa State in the coming days.

*** CLICK HERE for more analysis on what this means for the future of Iowa State basketball. *** 

*** CLICK HERE to view a fresh scholarship chart that includes Nader’s commitment ***