Jamal Abu-Shamala

Jamal Abu-Shamala (Arabic: جمال أبو شمالة‎; born July 25, 1987, in Shakopee, Minnesota) is a Palestinian Jordanian American basketball player who formerly played college basketball for the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Ranks among the top in made three-pointers and three-point percentage. Abu-Shamala played internationally for the Jordanian national team, first playing internationally in 2008. In 2015 Abu-Shamala plays for the Palestine national team. Abu-Shamala played significant minutes as they retained their title at the William Jones Cup.[1] Abu-Shamala also played in the D-league for the Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves affiliate team.

Jamal Abu-Shamala
Personal information
Born (1987-07-25) July 25, 1987
Shakopee, Minnesota
NationalityAmerican / Palestinian / Jordanian
Listed height6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Listed weight210 lb (95 kg)
Career information
High schoolShakopee (Shakopee, Minnesota)
CollegeMinnesota (2005–2009)
NBA draft2009 / Undrafted
PositionSmall forward
Career history
2010–2011Sioux Falls Skyforce

Abu-Shamala went to Shakopee High School in Shakopee, Minnesota, and in 2005 won the class AAA state high school basketball championship.

In addition to representing Jordan, Abu-Shamala has also represented Palestine[2] in international competitions, as his father is Palestinian.[3]

High school career

Abu-Shamala finished his Shakopee career with 1,254 points, which, as of 2015, ranks him No. 5 on the school's all-time scoring list. Led the Sabers to the 2005 Class 3A state championship as he scored 24 points and added 13 rebounds in his team's 57–46 victory over Richfield. In that same state tournament, Abu-Shamala scored 21 points in Shakopee's semifinal victory over Andover. He played for head coach Bruce Kugath.

College career

Abu-Shamala came to the University of Minnesota as a walk-on but quickly earned a scholarship after playing in 30 games and starting 10 games during his freshman season in 2005–06. His best season statistically was his sophomore season in 2006–07 when he played in 31 games, started 21 games, averaged 6.5 points per game, and made 44-of-102 three-point attempts. He finished his career with 128 games played, 62 starts, 592 points, 270 rebounds, a field goal percentage of 43.2% (203-469) and three-point field goal percentage of 40.1% (106–264). His career three-point field percentage ranks him seventh all-time at Minnesota. In 2009, Abu-Shamala was named the University of Minnesota's male recipient of the Outstanding Student-Athlete Award for his accomplishments in athletics, academics, leadership and volunteerism.[4]

References
  1. Abu-Shamala Helps Jordan National Team Win William Jones Cup Archived 2008-08-02 at the Wayback Machine, July 18, 2008. Access Date September 5, 2008.
  2. http://rs.arabgames2011.qa/ENG/ZB/ZBB101A_BK@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ENG_number=31517.htm
  3. http://www.thedailygopher.com/2011/2/8/1980117/tdg-interview-with-former-golden-gopher-jamal-abu-shamala
  4. http://www.gophersports.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/022009aab.html
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