Transfer Profile: Adam Anwar

Kimball Union Academy has been bolstering its roster, and one of the newest additions is Illinois native Adam Anwar, who will join in the Class of 2027.

Anwar and his 6'8", 225lb frame will take his versatile skill set to New Hampshire and the New England prep scene for a post-graduate season after an incredible career at McHenry High School. Anwar climbed all the way to second on the school’s all-time scoring list and repeated as First-Team All-Area as well as earning All-Fox Valley Conference honors.

In his final season with McHenry, Anwar averaged 19.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. He also knocked down 61 threes and blocked 33 shots. His stellar season helped propel McHenry to a 20-win season and earned him another honor: he was named an IBCA Class 4A All-State Special Mention.

Anwar didn’t slow down while playing with Elevate on the UAA circuit this summer. He posted averages of 11.5 points and 4.6 rebounds, along with a 37% clip from beyond the arc during the course of the season. His combination of production, academic success, and offensive versatility already led to a Division I offer from Vermont.

Anwar is a versatile and fundamentally sound forward who can score it in a multitude of ways. He is excellent at dictating the pace of the offense and doesn’t allow defenses to speed him up. He plays with his head up and is always surveying the floor before getting to his spot and attacking with his offensive skill set. His patience is what keeps him from forcing looks or putting himself in position to make uncomfortable decisions.

When it comes to his shooting, Anwar has a smooth jump shot and quickly rises into it with a high release point. His ability to shoot it from the outside forces defenders to try to quickly close out on him. This is where he uses his shot fake, which I found to be one of the most impressive weapons in his arsenal. He clearly practices his shot fakes as he is consistently getting defenders in the air before attacking the opening he created with it.

Another impressive aspect of his game is his ability to operate with his back to the basket. He backs down defenders with patience, and the second he feels a defender start to lean to keep him out of the paint, he turns and rises into his fadeaway jumper. If he is able to back his defender down deep into the paint, he will quickly turn over his shoulder for a baby hook. He has a multifaceted skill set with his back to the basket as he possesses strength, touch, and excellent footwork, which make him a very tough cover with the ball in his hands and his back to the basket.

Anwar poses himself as a difficult one-on-one matchup for any defender with his ability to score both inside and out. Bigger defenders have to respect his jumper and ability to punish an undisciplined closeout, while smaller defenders have a hard time keeping him from getting to his spots in the post.

The versatility is also showcased on the defensive end. His strength gives him the capabilities to battle with interior players, but his mobility also allows him to handle perimeter wing threats. With his already proven production and his well-rounded offensive arsenal, his post-graduate season at Kimball Union should open up his recruitment even more.