Third Straight Year An Aquinas Standout Commits to Play for Red Hawks
NORTH EDISON, NJ—Aquinas senior guard Samar Abdullah will be attending Montclair State. Several weeks ago, Abdullah announced that he will continue is academic and athletic career at MSU. MSU has become a popular destination for graduating St. Thomas Aquinas boys hoops standouts. Abdullah becomes the third Aquinas player in as many years to commit to play for the Red Hawks.
Nearly two months ago, Abdullah participated in the 2022 GMCBCA Senior All-Star Game for Team Black. He was a bright spot in defeat with 19 points on 9 total field goals including two dunks and a free throw. Abdullah finished second in scoring for Team Black behind Eli Scott of J.P. Stevens, who had team high with 27. Team Black lost to Team White, 122-113.
Samar Abdullah’s Resume at Aquinas
Abdullah played varsity all four years at St. Thomas Aquinas. He was a member on Aquinas’ 2020 and 2022 GMCT Championship teams. Abdullah finished his career with 572 career points. In addition, he collected 180 assists, 175 rebounds, 91 steals, and 7 blocks in 90 games. Abdullah tallied his 572 points on 187 total field goals including 105 threes and 87 foul shots. He averaged 6.4 points, 2.0 assists, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game.
This past season, Abdullah played in all 29 of Aquinas’ games. He made 82 total field goals including 37 treys and 35 foul shots for 238 points. Furthermore, Abdullah collected 98 assists, 71 rebounds, 51 steals, and 4 blocks. He averaged 8.2 points, 3.4 assists, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per contest. Abdullah ranked 4th in total field goals, third in threes made, 5th in free throws made, and 4th in scoring.
Montclair Getting Defensive Stopper in Abdullah
Looking at non-shooting and non-scoring stat rankings, Silas placed third in assists, third in steals, and 6th in rebounds. Aquinas finished 27-2 including a 14-0 mark in the GMC White. Besides defeating Colonia in the 2022 GMCT Championship, the Trojans also reached the Non-Public A South semifinals. St. Thomas Aquinas also won its bracket at the Boardwalk Classic in Wildwood over the holidays.
Perhaps the biggest contribution Abdullah made to this year’s team was on defense. Abdullah often guarded the opposing team’s best player. He and junior Kamal Lee were the Trojans big defensive stoppers. Aquinas ranked first in defensive scoring in the GMC by limiting foes to just 44 points per game. Abdullah’s season high this past season was 13 points, and he scored in double figures 14 times.
Abdullah’s Career Bests and Milestones
During his sophomore year, Abdullah had a season best 41 three pointers in the 2019-20 campaign. Abdullah made a career high five threes against South Plainfield in the GMCT Round of 16 on February 20, 2020. He scored a career high 15 points on three occasions including twice during his sophomore year. Abdullah scored in double figures 26 times over his four year career.
Over his four year career at Aquinas, the Trojans had an overall record of 80-19 including an unblemished 43-0 in divisional play. St. Thomas Aquinas won four division titles (2 in Blue and 2 in White), and won two GMCT titles. The Trojans enjoyed three of the best seasons in school history during this period. Aquinas also won its first playoff game in 38 years and reached the sectional semis for the first time.
Great Environment Awaits Abdullah at Montclair State
At Montclair State, Abdullah will be joining former teammates Derrick Golden (Class of 2020) and Kyree Henry (Class of 2021). The Red Hawks are coached by Justin Potts. Potts coached former East Brunswick standout, Dante Ralph at Moravian. Before taking over the program at MSU, Potts guided Ralph and the Greyhounds to back to back Landmark Conference titles in 2018 and 2019.
This past season, the Red Hawks finished 14-10 overall and 10-8 in the NJAC. Montclair State defeated William Paterson (71-66) in the opening round of the NJAC Tournament before losing to Stockton (92-78) in the semis. During the COVID shortened season of 2020-21, Montclair State finished 6-3 overall including a 5-3 mark in conference. Two seasons ago, MSU finished 11-14 overall including a 9-9 mark in the NJAC.
Congratulations Samar, and best of luck at the next level.