2021's Mustapha Amzil emerging as national recruit
First Love Christian Academy has produced tons of talent over the past few years, both on the international side and the United States. Recently they’ve continued the strong stretch of international talent that the program has brought in and it has had a major impact on the rise of the program.
Amzil, according to his measurements at the 2019 U18 Fiba European Championships, was measured at 6-foot-8 during that event. The Finland native averaged 12 points per match in the event and also added seven rebounds and almost two steals on top of that. The upside was evident for any professional scouts at that event.
Now? On October 14th in 2020, Amzil is standing at 6-foot-10 and weighs nearly 215-pounds. He’s been in the states for just under two weeks and has already turned into a national recruit. He’s one of the most impressive international prospects available, here’s an in-depth Q&A with Mustapha Amzil and Stockrisers.com.
You just arrived in the United States, discuss your backstory, and how it’s been here so far!
Amzil: “I moved to the states from Finland one and a half weeks ago. My mom is Finnish and my father is Moroccan. I have three siblings and my older sister plays at Cisco College in Texas. My younger brother plays in Finland still and my little sister hasn’t picked up the ball yet.”
You’re already turning into a national recruit, how has that been so far?
Amzil: “It’s been great since I came down here. My exposure has been blowing up and I’m thankful for all of the offers I’ve received.”
Which schools are in contact with you daily?
Amzil: “New schools are coming almost daily. I’m talking with East Carolina, Georgetown, Georgia State, Bradley, USF, WKU, and Eastern Washington. Tomorrow I will have a phone call with North Carolina and more big-time schools are asking for my video.”
Discuss your recent offers from Pittsburgh and Oklahoma State.
Amzil: “I landed offers from Pittsburgh and Oklahoma State. Talked with both school head coaches and got offers from both of them. They said the same thing about my versatility and as a big player being able to have a high-IQ and can handle and score the ball well.”
You had the opportunity to go pro, correct?
Amzil: “Yeah. I ultimately decided to achieve my goals, going to college would be a better fit for me.”
Since you made that choice, what are you looking for in a program?
Amzil: “Good coaching staff and a team where I can make an instant impact in my first year. Also somewhere I can fit.”
Any chance you decide to enroll early?
Amzil: “I’ve had a little conversation about enrolling early but not much yet. I haven’t really decided about the process yet. I need to have these conversations with the people that help me with my recruitment.”
Outside of North Carolina’s new interest, what other schools have shown interest?
Amzil: “Duke, Kentucky, and Florida reached out to my coaches.”
Have you done any virtual meetings?
Amzil: “Yeah with Dayton and Bradley. About to have with St. John’s, Oklahoma State, Boston College, and Pittsburgh. I have St. John’s and Dayton tomorrow [on Thursday].”
Describe your game, break it down if you had to scout yourself.
Amzil: “I can play multiple positions and score on all levels. I like to get my teammates involved and I think my court-vision is good and I have a high-IQ. Rebounding is also one of my strengths. I need to improve on staying solid on the defensive end so I’m able to guard all positions and I’m constantly improving. I also need to keep my shot consistent.”