2020 G Naseem Khaalid returns to First Coast
Naseem Khaalid is back in the Sunshine State.
The 2020 guard verbally committed to FSU was previously at South Carolina Legacy this fall before returning back to First Coast recently.
A 6’1″, 190-pounder, Khaalid is currently dealing with a high ankle sprain and says he should make his season debut in two weeks. He said this about his decision to transfer back to First Coast.
“I left Legacy due to personal things in my life and I felt like it was the best decision for me to go back home and finished what I started since my freshman year,” Khaalid told Prep Hoops.
He averaged 18.8 PPG, 7.4 RPG and 4.0 APG as a sophomore for the Buccaneers.
The addition of Khaalid to the team will give First Coast a nice chance to make a run in Class 8A. He’s a tough ballhandler and leader of an offense.
“My 10th grade was a pretty good year for me honestly,” he said. “It really made me mature on the court and understand a lot of things kids don’t usually have at my age.”
Khaalid pointed to his IQ, jump shot and overall confidence that improved last season and summer.
“My confidence just keeps getting higher and higher and I feel like that’s the most important thing you have to have in the game of basketball,” he said.
He says he has a chip on a shoulder and he can’t wait for people to see him show it.
Khaalid spent the summer with Game Elite Florida, a program he’s been with for a year and a half. He called a decent showing overall.
He confirmed that his commitment to Florida State is still in place.
“We talk often and I have a good relationship with the school and coaching staff. They tell me things for me to get to the next level and all positive things,” Khaalid said. “I love the culture of the school and the brotherhood they have as a whole , It’s just a big family honestly all sacrificing for a greater purpose. But as of right now, I feel like that’s the best spot for me.”
As for what he aims to improve, Khaalid said he wants to work on dominating night in and night out and being consistent as he can be.
Being out due to his ankle since October, Khaalid had this to say about his junior campaign.
“I feel like this is the most adversity I have ever had in my life and rarely having people behind , even close ones and family,” he said. “I’m ready to prove all the doubters wrong.”
The determination and dedication to the game are clear with Khaalid and it has been from the start of his varsity career. He has been strong at the point of attack for quite some time and if he sticks with it, he’ll only get better. Khaalid’s mix of leadership, driving ability and overall grittiness will go a long way for him.
Game winner alert ????????????@gameeliteatl beats @nightrydaselite 63-61 on this Naseem Khaalid bucket with 1 second left. pic.twitter.com/ZmHR6zvd9e
— ᴊᴀᴋᴇ ᴘᴇʀᴘᴇʀ (@JakePerper) April 7, 2018