PUTNAM, Conn. — When the moment came for Ben Ahmed to announce his college decision, the big man took his time. Seated on stage inside Putnam Science’s auditorium, he slowly leaned forward from his chair to pick something up from under the table, then made sure it looked just right before raising it to show the room.
The momentous reveal was a black T-shirt, with Miami and the classic orange and green emblazoned on it. The room – full of dozens of his coaches, teammates, classmates and others – erupted in cheers and applause. Ahmed, officially committed to Miami, turned to the man sitting to his left on stage, Team New England co-founder Isaiah Davis – instrumental in Ahmed getting to this day – to shake his hand.
It was only two years ago that Ahmed left home in Nigeria – where he hasn’t seen his parents since – to pursue basketball, attending national prep powerhouse Putnam Science and joining Team New England and BABC on the grassroots circuit. Now, the 6-foot-11 star and nationally-ranked prospect is heading to Miami to play for legendary coach Jim Larranaga.
“It’s a dream,” Ahmed said. “Coming from where I come, there are so many people waiting for this opportunity. Just me being privileged to experience this, I’m really grateful for the whole experience.”
