Abdou Toure talks development, strong summer, recruitment + more at Elite 24
We caught up with 2026 prospect Abdou Toure at the UA Next Elite 24 practices in Brooklyn, where he flashed serious potential in front of a crowded gym of NBA scouts. The 6-6 wing stood out as one of the top athletes, showcasing rapid elevation and explosiveness with some high-flying finishes and impactful defensive contests. Toure also displayed an expanding offensive game, knocking down shots in drills and nailing a memorable kill-dribble pull-up that left his defender in the dust—a move he’s put work into, as he discusses below.
After a stellar summer, Toure has gained significant momentum both in his development and recruitment, excelling on the EYBL 16s with Expressions and leading the FIBA U17 World Cup in scoring with Guinea, highlighted by a 50-point explosion against China that tied the event’s single-game record.
LH: Abdou — congrats on such a productive summer. Before we dive into your recent success, could you walk us through your basketball journey?
Abdou: My name is Abdou Toure, 2026, from New Haven, Connecticut. I've been playing basketball my whole life, and I'm just now starting to get exposure from big schools.
LH: With that exposure, what has this summer been like for you?
Abdou: This summer has been crazy. One of the craziest summers I've had with all of the college coaches hitting me up... Peach Jam... FIBA [U17 World Cup]... and I went to Poland [Vertical Hoops EuroCup] before with my high school team.
LH: You had a strong summer in FIBA, leading the U17 World Cup in scoring, exploding for 50 vs China, How was your experience for you?
Abdou: FIBA was a great experience. It feels good to play against people from different countries and towns, some people that are better than you.. some the same as you. It felt good.
LH: Where do you feel like you've progressed the most over the past 12 months?
Abdou: My mid-range shot—I’ve progressed my mid-range shot a lot. Before, I wasn’t really taking that many mid-range shots. My freshman year and in 15U EYBL, I wasn’t taking that many mid-range shots; I was getting to the basket. My trainers and my coaches told me to take more mid-range shots, giving me confidence, saying, “We know you can shoot.”
LH: This week in Brooklyn, you've shown your explosiveness, your scoring instincts, flashing some creativity on back-to-back baskets in the scrimmage just now, using that kill-dribble to stop and pop in the mid-range like we just talked about... what's next for you in your development to hone in on?
Abdou: My three-point shot. Really get that three-point shot hitting.
LH: What sets you apart from other players in your class?
Abdou: My aggression and passion for the game.
LH: What's your why?
Abdou: My family—being able to provide for them.
LH: What are you doing off the court? Do you watch a lot of basketball?
Abdou: I’m a big basketball guy. I'll watch games if it's on the TV, if my Dad's watching it, I’ll watch it. I’ll watch March Madness, the NBA Finals.
LH: Are there any players you like to study and take things from?
Abdou: Ant Edwards, for sure.
LH: You got a team?
Abdou: Lakers.
LH: No college team? Haha—whoever wins the recruitment?
Abdou: Haha, yeah, whoever wins.
LH: Where does your recruitment stand right now?
Abdou: My most recent offers are Alabama, Texas A&M, UCF, Arizona State, Penn State, Oregon, and Louisville.