Ismail Muhammad Gets NBA Invite

By Parvez Fatteh, Founder of http://sportingummah.com, sports@muslimobserver.com

Former Georgia Tech men’s basketball standout Isma’il Muhammad signed a contract this week with the National Basketball Association’s Atlanta Hawks this week. Terms of the contract were not disclosed, though the Hawks currently only have veteran minimum salary slots available. Hawks training camp starts this week.

The 6 foot 6 inch guard/forward played at Georgia Tech University (in Atlanta) from 2001 to 2005, including a trip to the NCAA tournament championship game in 2003.. Muhammad then went on to travel the world playing professionally in such countries as Iceland, France, Saudi Arabia, Colombia, New Zealand and Venezuela. An Atlanta native, Muhammad was a four-year starter at W.D. Mohammed High School, and he was twice named to the First-Team Class A All-State team.

Atlanta’s training camp roster now stands at 19. While Muhammad is not guaranteed a roster spot, 13 of their 15 roster positions are locked up with guaranteed contracts, leaving two possible openings. And that may be just enough of an opening for this hustling, tenacious jumping jack. Thus far in his career, the man affectionately known as “Ish” has been known primarily for his tough defense and his thunderous dunks. “If there are two spots open, then there is an opportunity for me,” Muhammad told the press. “I know some other guys have more experience. Some guys do things better than me skill-wise. But I feel I bring something to the table defensively and athletically and with energy. So I’m going after one of those spots.”

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