Abdul Bashir, a junior guard for Auburn Tigers Men’s Basketball, attributes his shooting skills to his early years playing basketball with his twin brother. Bashir explained that he focused on developing his shooting ability because he was not as big or athletic as other kids. “I grew up a pretty skinny kid, wasn’t the most athletic so I had to find ways to put the ball in the basket without relying on physicality or athleticism,” he said. “Shooting the basketball was always something I relied on because it was something I was able to do better than everybody else.”
Bashir and his brother Abdi, who now plays for Kansas State after transferring from Monmouth, spent much of their youth practicing together. “Me and my brother would go to the gym, go to the park and shoot all the time,” Bashir said. “All those reps, all those shots we got up really helped turn us into the sharpshooters we are now.” He added that their competitive spirit pushed them both: “Iron sharpens iron. Whenever he was at the gym, I was there. Whenever I was in the gym, he was there.”
After high school in Colorado and two seasons at Casper College in Wyoming—where Bashir made 255 three-pointers at a 40.5 percent rate—he averaged 27.2 points per game last season before signing with Auburn in April.
Bashir cited Auburn’s coaching staff and offensive system as key reasons for joining the program. “I was trying to find a place where I could be myself on and off the court,” he said. “They let us do that here… That was something I prioritized in the recruiting process.” He praised coaches Steven Pearl and Ira Bowman for their involvement: “Coach Steven Pearl, he really pours into the program. Coach Ira Bowman, he’s very hand-on…and he’s really honest and upfront with you.”
Defense is an area where Bashir is working to improve as he transitions into Division I basketball. “That’s one thing they really prioritize here. Defense and guarding,” Bashir said. He noted progress but acknowledged continued development: “My defense has come a long way and it’s going to continue to improve. It’s not something that comes natural for me. I’m striving to become a great defender.”
Bashir also expressed appreciation for Auburn fans’ support during his first season with the team: “I care a lot about not only the people in this program but all the fans and everybody who comes to support us in person and online…Auburn fans have unconditional love for all the players.” He added: “I want the entire city of Auburn and every Auburn supporter to know I’m grateful for them, and I’m going to pour in as much as I can on the court because they deserve it for all the dedication and work they put in to support us.”
