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WHIZ KID: Abdel Nader

Powerhouse guard leads Vikings to their best season ever.

Name: Abdel Nader

Age:  17

Grade: Senior

School:  Niles North High School

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Accomplishments:  Led the Niles North Vikings into the history books with a game high 23 points as the Vikings roared back from a 16- point deficit in the third quarter to defeat the Schaumburg Saxons 53-52 at the 2011 New Trier Sectional. It was the Viking’s first sectional title in the school’s 47 year history.  In his senior year, the 6’6’’ guard has averaged 25.2 points and 10 rebounds a game and has spearheaded the Vikings to an unprecedented 24-6 season. Nader was named All Conference as a junior and a senior.

He was also named to the prestigious Illinois Basketball Coaches Association team as a junior, as well as the Chicago Sun Times All Area team as a senior.  When asked what he deemed as his greatest accomplishment thus far, Nader replied “At this point, it’s just too early in the game to talk about my top achievements, but there is one I am sure of --- the best is yet to come."

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Key To Awesomeness:  “On a personal level, I want to be the best basketball player I can be. I know that involves a lot of hard work but I’m willing to do what I need to do to reach my total potential. On a team level, we emphasize defense and have a lot of movement up and down the court. We are very close and have great team chemistry.  I have faith in my teammates, and there is tremendous trust among us. ” 

Niles North head basketball coach Glenn Olson couldn’t be more pleased with Nader’s growth as a player.  

“Abdel can absolutely do it all offensively. His shooting is outstanding, and his passing and ball handling have really improved this season,” Olson said.  “More importantly, Abdel does whatever the team needs to be successful and has developed into a leader.”

For instance, in the first sectional game against Notre Dame he was held scoreless for the first half. Then, in the last 10 minutes, Abdel exploded for 22 points, leading the team to victory.

“That is the mark of real maturity in a player,” Olson said.  

Nader exudes an air of confidence and is not at all surprised by the Vikings’ accomplishments.

“It never crossed our minds that we couldn’t make it this far,” Nader said. “We’re definitely not done yet.”

When asked about his personal goals, Nader responded with just three letters:  “N-B-A.” Stay tuned. 

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