Justin Abson goes for a dunk for NBP Basketball. {NBP Yearbook}
By Matt Rothman
Justin Abson will go down as one of the greatest basketball players in North Broward Prep history.
The all-time leader in blocks and rebounds at NBP, Abson wrapped up an incredible career with the Eagles and is on his way to playing in college at Appalachian State University in North Carolina.
“It feels good being signed because it’s a lot of stress having to decide between a school,” said Abson. “Being able to just have a clear mind while I played this season was great since I already knew where I was going to college.”
Abson, who resides in Coconut Creek, began playing basketball in second grade and attended a Dwyane Wade basketball camp. While being there, Coach John Kee saw him play and invited him to play on the AAU Future Stars team.
He previously went to school in Park Springs Elementary, Renaissance Charter and Coral Springs Charter before attending NBP as a freshman. Abson made the varsity team and averaged 13.9 points and 11.1 rebounds during his high school career. He scored 32 points during his senior year against Miami-Dade. He recorded his first career triple-double against World of God High School with 24 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 blocks during a year where NBP went 27-3 and reached the Regional Semifinals.
Two of their three only two losses came against the eventual State Championship Calvary Christian Academy.Abson said he wouldn’t trade his time at NBP for anything and had a great relationship with former FGCU basketball player and Head Coach Casey Wohlleb, who helped Abson develop his game.
Abson is also extremely close with his mother, Cheryl McDonnough. While she was there for the highs, she always pushed him even during his lowest times. It ended up paying off with the Division I scholarship. Despite being recruited by several schools, Abson decided on Appalachian State after his strong relationship with the players and coaching staff.
“The love all the fans showed me on my visit and on social media was phenomenal, and they recruited me the hardest by having zoom meetings with me, sending lots of mail, and coming down to see me multiple times,” Abson added.
After graduating this Spring from NBP, Abson will compete in Sun Belt Conference for a team that went 18-13. They last competed in the NCAA Tournament in 2021.
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