Abu, Colson Finalists for EYBL MVP

New England Recruiting Report | Monday, June 24th, 2013

Abu, Colson Finalists for EYBL MVP

Three of the six finalists for 2013 Nike Elite Youth Basketball League MVP played at New England prep schools during the 2012-2013 season, according to D1 Circuit.    

St. Andrew's/BABC forward Bonzie Colson, Kimball Union/Expressions forward Abdul-Malik Abu, and former Redemption Christian/New York Lightning big man Angel Delgado were all nominated along with Spiece Indy Heat's Trevon Bluiett, Houston Hoops' Justin Jackson, and Howard Pulley's Tyus Jones.

Expressions, BABC, and New York Lightning all advanced to the EYBL Finals at the Nike Peach Jam.  

Colson averaged over 18 points, 6 rebounds and 2 blocks for BABC while shooting over 56% from the floor and 79% from the free-throw line.  Here's what the D1 circuit nomination form had to say about him:

"A typical power forward stands around 6-foot-8 or taller with long arms and peak physical strength. So listed at just 6-foot-6, Bonzie Colson doesn’t live up to your average measurements for a sound forward but that didn’t stop Colson from having a great season. Leading BABC in points (18.1) and rebounds per game (6.6), Colson bolstered the frontcourt all season long for this Peach Jam contender on both ends of the court. Colson also averaged 2.3 blocks per game, making him a fine candidate for the EYBL’s Most Valuable Player."

Abu averaged almost 15 points and over 7 rebounds and 2 blocks while shooting over 53% from the floor.  The D1 circuit nomination had this to say about him:

"Expressions Elite made quite the impression in their first season on the EYBL circuit. A lot of that has to do with the production from big man Abdul Malik-Abu. The 6-foot-8 power forward played a large part in their impressive 13-5 season. Malik-Abu led Expressions Elite in both scoring (14.6) and rebounds (7.2) per game. Malik-Abu plays the game with a fierce demeanor, always looking for that one big slam or fighting for the game-changing rebound. He’s definitely the player you want working for you down in the paint."

Colson led all nominees with 1087 votes after the first round of voting while Abu was was fifth with 312 votes.  

Click here to vote.