SENIOR SALUTE: Mohammed Abdulsalam

GREENSBORO, N.C. -- Mohammed Abdulsalam will forever cherish his experience as a member of the UNC Greensboro (UNCG) men's basketball program.

With a precious few collegiate basketball contests remaining, Abdulsalam recently reflected on his time playing for the Spartans. One of Abdulsalam's best memories was last year as he helped UNCG win the Southern Conference Tournament and participate in the NCAA Tournament.

Abdulsalam took the opening tip when the Spartans played Florida State in the NCAA Tournament last season at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. It was an experience he will never forget.

“We were treated like kings, and it felt amazing,” Abdulsalam said. “We got so much stuff, and the experience was nice. Playing against Florida State; there was a big difference from the SoCon to the ACC. We didn't lay down, and we played as hard as possible. We battled, and they knew they faced a good opponent. It was a good experience.”

Abdulsalam will be feted for his career accomplishments and contributions to the UNCG program on Sunday afternoon when UNCG hosts East Tennessee State at 4 p.m. in a game televised nationally on CBS Sports Network. UNCG will recognize Abdulsalam, Kaleb Hunter, De'Monte Buckingham, and Khyre Thompson before the start of the game.

 Abdulsalam, who is on track to get his degree in information management, has been a consistent force for UNCG. He has scored over 500 points and is approaching 500 rebounds. Abdulsalam has made 51.8 percent of his shots in 120 career games.

 Last season, Abdulsalam led the SoCon in offensive rebounding per game (3.1), 39th nationally. He was also seventh in the conference in rebounding.

The youngest of six children, Abdulsalam, is from Oyo State, Nigeria. He has been in America since 2013. He played soccer most of his life in Nigeria before playing basketball in 2012. 

Each time he takes the floor, Abdulsalam knows his father's eyes, Saka, is always watching his every move.

“My pops passed away in May 2020,” Abdulsalam said in an interview last season. “It was truly the hardest thing I have ever had to deal with in my life. He is the main reason why I am here today. He believed in me so much even when I couldn't. Freshman year was tough, I remember talking to him after every game, and he could hear the frustration in my voice.” 

Last year, Abdulsalam's sister attended a game, which meant the world to him. Abdulsalam cherishes his family.

“I definitely play for them,” Abdulsalam said. “It's bigger than basketball. I had this opportunity to come to UNCG. I have them on my mind 24-7, and that makes me play with a chip on my shoulder and pushes me more.” 

A role model for work ethic, commitment, and determination, Abdulsalam had to adjust to first-year head coach Mike Jones this season. He embraced the change.  

“It was different,” Abdulsalam said. “Different is not always bad, and it's a learning experience. We figured out things during the season. It's a new system, but we were able to adapt. Being one of the leaders on the team, I could've been like, ‘nah,’ we're staying with the old system. When others saw me adapt to the new system, the other guys fell in line, which was the biggest part. 

“He didn't force the system on us. We saw how it worked, and we practiced all summer. The coaches taught us a lot. There wasn't one man leading. We were given reasons why things were done a certain way. Everybody was able to listen and feed off each other.”

Abdulsalam, a menacing presence of solid muscle with the right blend of quickness and ferocity, has enjoyed some pleasant moments this season in helping the Spartans to 17 victories. Abdulsalam had a half-court steal and dunk in a road win at UMBC, scored a season-high 14 points against UMass, and had ten rebounds in the Spartans' season-opening victory over North Carolina A&T.

 Whenever he removes his jersey for the final time in his career, Abdulsalam can smile, knowing the UNCG program will continue to shine as one of the best in the country.

“I am super proud of this program,” Abdulsalam said. “They are the right people to take the program forward. The program will be in good hands, and that's a nice feeling.”

SoCon Tournament

• For information regarding the 2022 Ingles Southern Conference Men's and Women's Basketball Championships at Harrah's Cherokee Center – Asheville in Asheville, N.C., which will run from March 3-7, please visit: www.soconhoops.com. If you would like to purchase tickets, please contact the UNCG Ticket Office at 336-334-3250.