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<p><strong>LOUISVILLE, KY</strong> - Following the NCAA's green light on G-League players like Thierry Darlan, the Louisville men's basketball team has set its sights on another former NBA minor-leaguer. Head coach Pat Kelsey has offered a scholarship to center Abdullah Ahmed, who spent the past two seasons with the Westchester Knicks, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DPrRigYDBIx/?igsh=czRrNnd4cDV6MzRh">if his Instagram announcement is any indication</a>.</p>

<h2>From G-League to ACC?</h2>

<p>Ahmed, a 6-foot-10, 220-pound big man, averaged 5.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks last season with Westchester. The 21-year-old is one of six schools to extend an offer, with Louisville joining Auburn, BYU, Houston, Mississippi State, and UCLA in the hunt.</p>

<h3>New Roster Construction Strategy</h3>

<p>Kelsey and his staff have shown a willingness to explore unconventional avenues for roster construction. So far, their 2025-26 class includes one traditional high school prospect, three transfers from the portal, and three international players.</p>

<h2>Year Two in the Cards</h2>

<p>Compassed with the return of impact contributors like J'Vonne Hadley and Kasean Pryor, Louisville is primed to challenge for both the ACC and national titles. The Aztecs have added top-25 transfers like Ryan Conwell, Isaac McKneely, and Adrian Wooley, as well as five-star HS point guard Mikel Brown Jr.</p>

<h2>NCAA's Verdict on G-League Players</h2>

<p>The NCAA's recent ruling on Darlan's eligibility paves the way for more college programs to explore the G-League talent pool, with the Cardinals taking the lead. Ahmed's arrival could add depth and experience to Louisville's frontcourt.</p>

<h2>Did you know?</h2>

<ul>
  <li>Ahmed's blocks per game tally last season (2.1) would have ranked fourth in the ACC.</li>
  <li>Louisville is coming off a successful 27-8 season and NCAA Tournament appearance in coach Pat Kelsey's inaugural year.</li>
</ul>

<h2>Pro Tip</h2>

<p>With the ACC's frontcourt talent heating up, Ahmed's rim protection and rebounding could be a valuable commodity for the Aztecs.</p>

<h2>Louisville's Tournament Run</h2>

<p>The Cardinals' 27-win season culminated in an NCAA Tournament appearance, where they fell to Creighton in the first round. Kelsey was named ACC Coach of the Year, and the program looks to build on its resurgence this upcoming season.</p>

<p><strong>Stay tuned to 247Sports News for more updates and insights on Louisville men's basketball.</strong></p>

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