Boys basketball: Abushanab makes immediate impact at Glenbard West
Junior guard Josh Abushanab was primed for a breakout season in 2024-25.
Just not in Glen Ellyn.
After two solid seasons at Glenbard North, Abushanab transferred to Glenbard West in early June. He immediately provided an offensive and defensive boost for the Hilltoppers.
The 6-foot-5 Abushanab missed the first few games, but is averaging 10.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists in five games for the Hilltoppers.
Glenbard West coach Jason Opoka is no stranger to high-level players with promise. Opoka said Abushanab has a high ceiling due to his next-level talent, intelligence and willingness to learn.
“Josh is an experienced junior who has brought versatility and leadership to our lineup,” Opoka said. “His length and skill set has made him a mismatch problem. He has the ability to play a variety of offensive and defensive positions, but my favorite characteristic about Josh is that he’s a great person who is willing to learn.”
Abushanab played a big role in the Panthers reaching the Class 4A supersectional last season, averaging 8.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and shooting 42% on 3-pointers. As a freshman, he averaged 6.5 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.1 steals.
Opoka said Abushanab’s two years of starting experience is another element that will aid the Hilltoppers.
“He’s dedicated to get to the next level and has been an impressive student,” Opoka said. “Josh is still relatively new to our program, which makes much room for growth. We’re excited to see where he will be in a couple weeks.”
Abushanab has made an instant impact on the Hilltoppers (6-0, 1-0) this season, sparking a big road win in their West Suburban Conference Silver Division opener against Hinsdale Central last Friday. He added 10 points in Saturday’s 53-47 win over Stevenson.
“I’m adjusting pretty well to the team,” Abushanab said. “I didn’t get to play the first few games, but I’m starting to fit in well with everyone and the team is gelling and we’re playing for each other. We’re really playing together as a team, which shows in these hard-core games.”