Top-30 recruit Shon Abaev commits to Cincinnati

Shon Abaev, one of the top small forwards in the 2025 class, has committed to Cincinnati.

The 6-foot-7 senior out of Calvary Christian (FL) chose Wes Miller and the Bearcats over Auburn, Oregon, Arkansas, and Arizona State.

Abaev, a four-star prospect, is the nation’s No. 26 overall prospect, No. 8 small forward and No. 6 recruit in Florida in the 2025 cycle according to the On3 Industry Ranking — a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

On3’s evaluators are even higher on Abaev, ranking him 19th nationally in the class.

Abaev is the second addition to Cincinnati’s recruiting class, joining four-star PG Keyshaun Tillery (No. 56 nationally).

Abaev on his commitment to Cincinnati

Shon Abaev discussed his decision with On3.

“I chose Cincy because I just felt like it was the best fit for to make my dream come true and make it to the NBA.”

What led to his trust in coach Miller and his staff?

“It was just a gut feeling I had that I felt like was enough for me to say that I wanted to play for Coach Wes Miller and his staff. Throughout the recruitment process I felt like I built the best relationship with Wes Miller than other head coaches.”

In his own words, what type of player is Cincinnati getting in Shon Abaev?

“I am versatile. I can do anything my coaches ask me to do. I can fit in any role my coaches need me for. Not only can I go get a bucket at any moment, I can also create for my teammates as well.”

He has a message for Bearcats fans.

“I can’t wait to play and put on a show for you all.”

Scouting Report

“Shon Abaev has excellent positional size with solid length for a wing. Listed in the 6-7/6-8 range, he is a scorer. Abaev is able to create space and shot opportunities with the ball in his hands. He has a high release and good footwork that allows for a clean look on most possessions. While Abaev can move the ball around, he is not a very dynamic passer at this point. He will also need to continue working on his off-ball movement to get into his shots. Abaev is a very good pull up shooter. He has an array of counters, step-throughs, and step-backs in the half court. A solid enough athlete. Would like to see him put more pressure on the rim. Shooting stroke can get a bit flat off the catch. At his size, he is someone who can catch fire quickly and ring off a lot of consecutive points. Is confident. Rebounds well when he puts in the effort. Can push break and set an offense.” – On3’s Jamie Shaw

More on Abaev from On3’s Jamie Shaw

“When it comes to Shon Abaev, when you get right down to it, no one in this class is able to create separation like he is. The long-armed 6-foot-7 wing carries an array of misdirections and off-balanced footwork that allow him to get a clean look at any point in the possession from any level on the court. The lefty averaged 21.1 points with his SOH Elite team on the Under Armour Next Circuit. He shot 38.5 percent from three on 7.8 attempts per game and 89.4 percent from the free-throw line. Synergy tells us that Abaev averaged an impressive 1.10.5 points per possession during circuit play.”