Cincinnati Bearcats star freshman Shon Abaev makes his introduction to the team

"One thing Cincinnati fans should know about me is I'm extremely grateful to be here."

The Cincinnati Bearcats standout freshman, Shon Abaev, discussed why he chose Cincinnati over schools like Michigan, St. John's, Auburn, Tennessee, and Kansas.

"I felt like I had a great relationship with coach Wes and coach Dollar, I feel like I can acheive a lot of things coming here," Said Abaev. "learn from coach Wes and coach Dollar and learn from the players themselves."

Abaev was the No. 22 recruit in the country according to 247 Sports, the No. 6 player in Florida, and the No. 6 small forward.

"This time of year is important just to build chemistry and to learn everybody and for everybody to learn each other," Said Abaev. This theme has been common among many of the players on the Bearcats' roster this season as they try to get accustomed to a new group of players.

"Build a bond, because you know there are a lot of new players and the team is not the same. Learning everyone's roles and how they play, becoming a team is important," Abaev went on to say.

Abaav stands at 6-foot-9 and has a point-forward play style. Abaev can shoot over a smaller defender, drive past a slower defender, and finish at the rim as well as anyone. He is the highest recruit for the Bearcats since Lance Stephenson in 2009, and fans have high hopes for the true freshman.