2020 First Coast Naseem Khaalid talks commitment to FSU, season ahead and more
First Coast guard Naseem Khaalid became the first commitment at Florida State for the class of 2020.
The 6’1″ sophomore made his verbal commitment on Saturday as we first reported.
Khaalid shined as the Buccaneers starting point guard. He also has offers from UNLV, UNF and Rutgers. Also, he’s drawn interest from UF, UCF, Louisville, UCLA, Virginia Tech, VCU and Maryland.
Ultimately Khaalid was ecstatic with the program and coaching staff at FSU, calling them outstanding.
“It’s just a great atmosphere to be around when you get there and they treat you like family. I believe in the coaching staff and I know the coaching staff believes in me,” Khaalid told Prep Hoops Florida. “I felt like my game fits perfect for Florida State and also they have principles off the court. So all those things bunched up together made me and my family feel like it was the perfect opportunity and decision to make even if it’s early.”
He called this past season a great experience as he got to show the city of Jacksonville his talent and skills.
“Playing as a freshman and being the point guard for a varsity team is a task but it wasn’t that hard for me to figure things out early on in the year and get comfortable to run the show,” Khaalid said. “I was working on and learned how to really get a lot of my teammates involved, not just on offense, but almost in every aspect of the game last year.”
Khaalid pointed to his strength and confidence as two things that grew the most during his freshman season. He says he feels comfortable anywhere he plays now.
As for his role this season, he plans to the leader his team needs him to be.
“I want to make sure my team goes in the right direction even through our ups and downs were going to go through,” Khaalid said.
The Bucs went 21-5 a year in Class 8A.
Khaalid called his IQ and leadership as his biggest strengths.
“I feel like I’m the smartest person on the court every time and seeing plays before it even happens,” he said.
He plans to work on becoming more of an aggravating defender and more of a consistent shooter.
This summer, Khaalid played with the Showtime Ballers early in the process before wrapping up the session with Game Elite.
Khaalid says he can’t remember when he started playing basketball. He pointed to the ages 3 or 4, but he claims that he came out of his mother playing the game. As soon as he got into his baby crib, he held a basketball.
A pure athlete and kid gifted beyond his years, Khaalid is part of a really a good family. His team at First Coast revolves around him and he loves the responsibility. This is a huge pickup for FSU, don’t balk just because he still has three years left. Things can change but he loves FSU and the school loves him.