5-Star Shon Abaev Picks CINCINNATI, Expects To Be UC One And Done To NBA

5-Star Recruit Shon Abaev has picked the Cincinnati Bearcats over Bruce Pearl and the Auburn Tigers. The 6'8 scoring wing is the highest-ranked recruit in the Wes Miller era, and the first 5-star since Jermaine Lawrence. Abaev said he believes UC gives him the best chance to get to the NBA after one season.

Below is the write-up from Adam Finkelstein, director of scouting for 247 Sports

Abaev is one of the most polished one-on-one scorers in the national class. A big southpaw wing, with good positional size and an increasingly strong body, he's a volume scorer who is capable of creating his own shot at virtually any time, including against a set half-court defense. That size, plus his high release point, allows him to score over the top of contesting defenders with regularity and be a tough shot-maker off the dribble. He's capable of getting downhill, especially in the open floor, playing through contact more consistently, and getting to the free-throw line as a result. He also has an advanced assortments of runners and floaters when going through the lane and has continued to improve as a spot-up shooter.

One of the biggest variables in projecting Abaev at the next level is how well he will adapt to playing with other good players, when he doesn't have the same amount of freedom and volume. Right now, he's a bit of a ball-stopper, who loves to size his defender up and play out of isolations. Because he can get his shot off at any time, he also has a tendency to settle for contested shots, including tough twos. The progression of his overall efficiency will depend on him being a more willing ball-mover and utilizing his vast scoring arsenal within the flow of a more balanced offense.

Ironically, Abaev has shown flashes of being a gifted wing passer, both when attacking off the dribble and even in being able to play out of ball screens. It's just a matter of him being a more willing passer and needing less time with the ball in his hands on every catch.

Athletically, Abaev can really rise up high above the rim for explosive finishes but has some unorthodox aspects of his overall body mechanics. He tends to play a little upright, and bends more at the waist then he does in his lower body. The progression of his right hand is also a key variable moving forward. Abaev is a high-volume wing rebounder and competitive defender who rates well on that end of the floor.