Ball State University Athletics
Cardinals Basketball Adds Michigan Standout Basheer Jihad
April 14, 2021 | Men's Basketball
MUNCIE - The Ball State men's basketball program has signed Michigan standout Basheer Jihad during the spring recruiting period. Jihad, a 6-9 forward, will be on Ball State's active roster for the 2021-22 season.
"We are thrilled to add Basheer to the program. He comes from a great family and is a good student and an incredibly high-character young man," Ball State head coach James Whitford said.
Whitford described Jihad as a highly-skilled forward who has great length and noted that he's still just 17 years old. "He can play both at the rim and behind the 3-point arc. His work ethic is outstanding and he is committed to putting in the work that it takes to become great. He has a very bright future ahead of him."
Jihad, from North Farmington, Michigan, was one of the top prep players in Michigan before his senior season stopped after 11 games. He was an all-conference performer and was a candidate for Michigan's Mr. Basketball Award after leading North Farmington High School to a top-10 ranking in the state.
As a senior, Jihad averaged 18 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks per game. He averaged 16 points and 10 rebounds per game as a junior in 2019-20. With Jihad as a starter under coach Todd Negoshian, North Famington High School went 23-9 over the past two seasons.
Jihad, whose older brother Yusuf played basketball at Oakland, is the son of Ayesha Sharpe & Garett Jihad. He is one of seven children.
Jihad will join two signees from the early period next year in Peyton Sparks and Jaylin Sellers.Â
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"We are thrilled to add Basheer to the program. He comes from a great family and is a good student and an incredibly high-character young man," Ball State head coach James Whitford said.
Whitford described Jihad as a highly-skilled forward who has great length and noted that he's still just 17 years old. "He can play both at the rim and behind the 3-point arc. His work ethic is outstanding and he is committed to putting in the work that it takes to become great. He has a very bright future ahead of him."
Jihad, from North Farmington, Michigan, was one of the top prep players in Michigan before his senior season stopped after 11 games. He was an all-conference performer and was a candidate for Michigan's Mr. Basketball Award after leading North Farmington High School to a top-10 ranking in the state.
As a senior, Jihad averaged 18 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks per game. He averaged 16 points and 10 rebounds per game as a junior in 2019-20. With Jihad as a starter under coach Todd Negoshian, North Famington High School went 23-9 over the past two seasons.
Jihad, whose older brother Yusuf played basketball at Oakland, is the son of Ayesha Sharpe & Garett Jihad. He is one of seven children.
Jihad will join two signees from the early period next year in Peyton Sparks and Jaylin Sellers.Â
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