Pack Announces Hoops Class, Gottfried Talks

RALEIGH, N.C. – The NC State men’s basketball program has added Abdul-Malik Abu and twin brothers Caleb and Cody Martin during the 2013 NLI Early Signing Period. Each player has signed a National Letter of Intent and will suit up for NC State in the fall of 2014.

“We’re really excited about this class. With two perimeter players and a versatile, inside-outside forward, we feel we really addressed some needs,” head coach Mark Gottfried said. “All three guys play with great energy and enthusiasm. But also, they all have great character and will be great assets to NC State University.

“We think all three players will have great careers in our program at NC State.”

Abu, a 6-8 power forward out of Boston, is among the nation’s highest ranked forwards. He was ranked 30th in the nation by ESPN.com, 50th by Rivals and 52nd by Scout. Abu, recruited by assistant coach Orlando Early, plays at Kimball Union Academy in Meriden, N.H., for coach Mike Olson. He also played in the Mary Kline Classic Underclassmen Game in Philadelphia last spring. He played on the Elite Youth Basketball League circuit with Expressions Elite for coach Ty Boswell.

“Malik plays with a high motor and has tremendous athleticism,” Gottfried said. “He has great strength and can play near the basket and also step out and shoot. ”

The Martin brothers are 6-6 small forwards from Mocksville, N.C., where they both earned all-state honors at Davie County High School under coach Mike Abscher before transferring to powerhouse high school program Oak Hill Academy. Caleb Martin is ranked 46th in the country by Scout and 59th by both ESPN.com and Rivals. Cody Martin is also rated nationally by ESPN.com and Rivals.

“Caleb is a terrific outside shooter and a great athlete,” the NC State head coach said. “He fits perfectly as a wing player in our system.”

Gottfried added: “Cody is a versatile player and a very much improved player. He’s improved greatly during the last 6-8 months.”
The Martin twins, who were primarily recruited by assistant coach Rob Moxley, are the latest standout Wolfpack recruits out of Oak Hill Academy in Virginia. Current Pack players Lennard Freeman and Tyler Lewis are former Oak Hill players. The Martin twins played for the very successful AAU program Team Loaded, mentored by Ty White.

The pair of brothers is also NC State’s first set of men’s basketball twins since Jim and Joe Mills played for the Pack in 1941-42. The Mills brothers, from nearby Apex, left State after one season to play professional baseball.

The Wolfpack (1-1 overall) will host Campbell Saturday, Nov. 16 at PNC Arena at 7 p.m.