CIAC Glory Days
The CIAC Glory Days podcast immerses listeners into the world of high school athletics. Explore the purpose and impact of interscholastic athletics on student-athletes as administrators, coaches, players, officials, parents, and State Athletic Association staff take listeners on a journey from tryouts to championships.
CIAC Glory Days
Glory Days Podcast S3:E2 - One-on-One with Abdou Toure: CIAC Basketball Standout 🏀🏆
On this episode of the CIAC Glory Days Podcast, host Jada Mirabelle is joined by Abdou Toure — senior at Notre Dame-West Haven, two-time CIAC State Champion, and one of the nation’s top basketball talents. Known not only for his elite play but also for his sportsmanship, character, and work ethic, Abdou has become a role model and a fan favorite across Connecticut. From packed gyms and sold-out games to supporters lining up for photos and autographs, his impact on and off the court continues to grow as he has already drawn interest from the country’s top Division I programs.
Welcome to CIAC's Glory Days podcast. I'm your host, jada Marabou, and today I'm joined by Abdu Torre, a CIAC basketball standout, two-time state champion with Notre Dame West Haven and one of the best high school basketball players in the country. Abdu, thank you for joining me today.
Speaker 2:Thank you for having me on no-transcript.
Speaker 1:Go the prep school route.
Speaker 2:I'll say just the support base and the community we have at Notre Dame. I just love it. I feel like a family here, so I wouldn't want to leave my family.
Speaker 1:Oh, that's a great answer. And every single game you have such a following at, all of these, I mean, the gym is packed, your family's here, you've got everyone in the student section, so it's definitely a great environment to play.
Speaker 2:Yeah, it's a really good environment.
Speaker 1:So what is the appeal of CIC basketball to you, besides that community feeling?
Speaker 2:I would say I like the competitiveness. You know every game we're going to get everybody's best, being the number one team. So I just like the competitiveness and how everybody comes at us.
Speaker 1:Yes, especially these last few years, as you've been on the team. Yeah, I mean everyone's coming at their top level.
Speaker 2:Every game is packed. Everybody's coming at us, yeah.
Speaker 1:Yeah, and you can't beat that competition at other places. So while you've been playing in CIAC these past four years, you've received countless Division I offers no-transcript. Yeah, and that's a lot of stuff behind the scenes as well.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:It's not just what you do on the court, it's what you do off the court.
Speaker 2:Yeah, all the time in the gym, Just at this gym right here. All the time I spend in this gym working out with Drew, the late nights and all of that.
Speaker 1:Yeah, you have to put in those extra hours which you definitely know about.
Speaker 2:Yep.
Speaker 1:So you've narrowed your top college choices down to Maryland, provville and Florida State. What was your deciding factor in narrowing those down to just those seven?
Speaker 2:I would say I feel like those seven really loved me the most and really contacted me the most and showed that they really had a lot of interest in me. So I would say those are the seven that just felt right.
Speaker 1:Did they help make that personal connection with you? Yeah, that goes a long way, so you don't have to tell me, but did you decide on how you're going to make the announcement? Do you have like a special plan in mind?
Speaker 2:oh, like it's. I've been thinking about that a lot, but I don't really know how I'm gonna do it yet. But I've been thinking about. I've been thinking about a lot of ways, like um news eight said they wanted to live stream it and this other edit guy said he wants live streaming. So maybe I'll do both combined.
Speaker 1:I think you you should add CIAC in there for live streaming. Maybe we could.
Speaker 2:Just we could do a million live streams, tiktok, live stream Instagram. But yeah, I don't really know yet, but I'll make that decision soon.
Speaker 1:That's a big decision. You have so many people who are going to be waiting for that answer.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:So because some people do like the table with the hats.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:That would be pretty cool, because you've got a few hats to choose from, All right. Well, I can't wait to hear where you end up going and how you do it. You'll have to let us know so when you're out there on the court. Abdu, I have to say you have some of the best sportsmanship.
Speaker 2:I mean, I've been watching you on the court since you were a freshman, no matter what's going on around you like how badly people are trying to guard you, or just the crowds and the pressure of the moment being so calm and keep those composure. In those moments I would say I really just don't really worry about what's going on, just keep playing my game. Don't let anything like affect me to make me play worse and just keep playing my game. Listen to what coaches say. Coach always tells me keep my composure, don't let people see that you're frustrated. So I would just say keep, keep my composure and just play the game.
Speaker 1:And that's so important to have at the next levels at college and the NBA. That's definitely a key factor and, like you've said, just put the ball in the hoop right Put the ball in the hoop.
Speaker 1:That's all you got to focus on. So you've had so many eyes on you since you were a freshman. Now, as a senior, you have a following. No matter where you go, there's always a crowd of people through the game the people, and that says a lot about your character. So how do you manage to stay grounded and focused through it all? Because that's a lot of attention to have at your age.
Speaker 2:I would say just keep putting the ball in the hoop. That's what really made all of this come true. You know, I never would expect kids asking me for pictures and parents asking me for pictures, but I always spend time to take pictures with kids, parents, as many people as I can, because I used to be the one asking people for pictures. So, yeah, it's really crazy that people really want to take pictures with me still, but yeah, it's a great way to think about it, though the roles have kind of reversed. Yeah.
Speaker 1:Now people are looking up to you and you're a great role model for it. You've worked very, very hard for the talent you've had, so does it mean a lot to you that all these young players in Connecticut are looking up to you?
Speaker 2:Yeah, it means a lot that people look up to me and my journey, just taking my journey, and just adapt to that. It's just really crazy. I don't even know how to explain it, but it's really crazy.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I remember at the last state championship there was just lines of people around the whole court just waiting for you and you went through the whole line and met everyone.
Speaker 2:I was getting screamed at too for taking pictures, but I can never say no to any pictures. I just feel wrong if I say no to pictures.
Speaker 1:Yeah, and that says a lot about your character, so that's great. So what are some of the takeaways that you've learned from high school basketball? How has being an athlete shaped who you are off the court?
Speaker 2:I would say the biggest takeaway is just be yourself. Never change, no matter what I'll never change, no matter how high I get or how low I get, I'll just be the same and just be humble and just be caring and loving.
Speaker 1:Yeah, because that's why people like you for Abdu. So don't ever change that. Yeah, that's a great answer. So you're officially in your senior year now hoping to 3P as the CIAC Division One Boys State Champions. What are your goals for the season as one of the captains?
Speaker 2:I'll say my goal is to be undefeated. Win another state championship, get every player of the year again and get into the McDonald's All-American game.
Speaker 1:All right. Well, you've done some of those things before, so you can do it again. Yeah, those are high goals, but you could definitely reach them. So how would your teammates describe your leadership style as a captain? What do you find is most important?
Speaker 2:I would just say I push my teammates as much as I can make them to be the best player that they could be, and just push them no matter what. Any game, it doesn't matter if it's like a not-so-good team or a really good team. I'm just going to push them no matter what.
Speaker 1:Yeah, you always have to go in level-headed and ready to win. So what do you think the season is going to look like this year? Do you have any changes on the team?
Speaker 2:We got a few players that were injured last year, like Kyle and Sekou, that didn't play as much last year because they were injured, so we're going to see how they do. I mean, everybody's spot is for grabs, so everybody really has to work for their spot and make sure they're in the gym, working and ready to play this year, because this year we have a lot of incoming freshmen. That's nice, it's really good too.
Speaker 1:So it's going to be really tough this year and hopefully they can learn throughout the year for when you guys graduate to help the program. Yeah, so how would you describe your game and playing style? What do you see as the biggest strengths on the court?
Speaker 2:I would say my biggest strength is probably like attacking the rim, and I really say like making my teammates better.
Speaker 1:Yeah, yeah, that's very, very important, because not every athlete has the ability to encourage and motivate their teammates that you do, so what drives you to compete at such a high level?
Speaker 2:I would just say I just love to win, I love to succeed. I don't like not succeeding, so I would just say I love to win.
Speaker 1:Can't beat that, can't beat that.
Speaker 2:I don't like losing.
Speaker 1:So what do you believe has been the biggest factor in your development throughout these past few years?
Speaker 2:I would probably say just staying in the gym, like all the early mornings, late nights. I would say that's been the biggest factor. I'm really working on the things that I'm not so good at, so I would probably say that's the biggest factor just to continue to get better and better yeah so you say, because I always see on social media, I mean you're working out before school as well sometimes, right?
Speaker 1:yeah and then after school as well. I mean at night you're working out. Yeah, I mean it's all day. You have to let it kind of consume you to be as good as you are. Yeah yeah so who do you think's had the most influence on your game throughout all these years? Is there one person that comes to mind?
Speaker 2:I'll probably say my dad. My dad is just always talking Every chance he gets he's going to talk to me about what I could do better or what I need to improve on. Just last night I got off my flight tired and my dad is just talking the whole ride about what I could do better and how I need to improve on my game. So I'll probably say my dad?
Speaker 1:yeah, we were just talking about that off camera. I mean, your dad is. He's at every single game. He doesn't miss anything he's your biggest supporter.
Speaker 2:Yeah, and that goes a long way. My dad and my mom yeah, my mom doesn't. My mom knows a lot about basketball, but she doesn't really know, but she's always there supporting yeah, you have a great support system which makes a big difference in all this.
Speaker 1:So so that's an awesome answer. So now I'm sure you know the drill, but we always end with rapid questions or a surprise. So whatever comes to your mind first, that's what you're gonna answer, with All right, favorite CIAC basketball memory.
Speaker 2:Landis game tying shot.
Speaker 1:That was one for the books.
Speaker 2:That was incredible. I'll always remember that shot.
Speaker 1:Ture Krieger gets a shot off. It's good Overtime Pre-game ritual.
Speaker 2:I'll probably say just closing my eyes and praying.
Speaker 1:I love that Something random that you keep in your game day bag.
Speaker 2:I don't keep nothing random.
Speaker 1:Nothing really.
Speaker 2:Probably my shoes. Yeah, I don't keep nothing.
Speaker 1:That's not too random. You kind of need those. Yeah Right, speaking of shoes, what is your favorite sneaker to play in?
Speaker 2:I'll probably say Kobe's Okay, yeah.
Speaker 1:Story behind wearing number 23?.
Speaker 2:Just my favorite player, the greatest of all time, lebron James.
Speaker 1:Greatest player of all time.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:What do you like to do most outside of basketball?
Speaker 2:I'll probably say hang out with my girlfriend or play the game.
Speaker 1:She's gonna like that answer. All right, favorite movie.
Speaker 2:Favorite movie, I'll probably Sinners.
Speaker 1:Sinners yeah.
Speaker 2:Do you know what Sinners?
Speaker 1:is no I don't.
Speaker 2:It's the one with Michael B Jordan and like the vampires and stuff like that. No, it's a really good movie Like you should watch that. It's a really good movie, really. Yeah, okay, well, I've got a good review I just watched the Conjuring too. That was really scary.
Speaker 1:That's scary. I don't know if I want to look that one up. I'll look up the Michael B Jordan one, but not the Conjuring. Alright, what's something that people would be surprised to know about you?
Speaker 2:I'm really good at football and soccer and baseball.
Speaker 1:Really Wow. You're just a. You could be a four-sport athlete right there, yeah.
Speaker 2:I'm really good at all the other sports, but I just can't play football because my coach doesn't want me to play football or intramural football.
Speaker 1:No, you can't risk an injury.
Speaker 2:No.
Speaker 1:Smart, just stick to basketball.
Speaker 2:I'm going to have a meeting with him this year because I really want to play intramural football this year. It's my last year of high school. I've been wanting to play since I was a freshman.
Speaker 1:Maybe you could just coach from the sidelines.
Speaker 2:No, I can't. I need to play you. I think I have a feeling what coach will say about that, but we'll see Favorite move on the court.
Speaker 1:I'll probably say a twin cross? Yeah, one word to describe your game.
Speaker 2:Let me think this is a hard one.
Speaker 1:This is a hard one.
Speaker 2:Energetic.
Speaker 1:Energetic. Okay, yeah, that's a very good word. Describe it Best piece of advice you've ever received.
Speaker 2:Best piece of I'll probably say stay level-headed. Yeah, don't always forget where you came from. Don't forget where you came from.
Speaker 1:Yes, very true, yeah, and that goes all things your life, not just for your basketball, everything else as well. So most exciting CIC game you've ever played.
Speaker 2:The most exciting game.
Speaker 1:I'll probably say You've had a few that come to mind in my head.
Speaker 2:The last year when we played cross, it was really good. Oh, yeah, yeah.
Speaker 1:Was that at home? Yeah, it was at home. Oh, so you definitely connected.
Speaker 2:I had like seven, threes or five. I Was that at home. Yeah, it was home. I had like seven, threes or five. I had a lot of threes. It was energetic in here. It was a lot of people. Every three it was boom, it was nice.
Speaker 1:And then your sophomore year you played cross Was the year you broke the all-time scoring record for the school.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:What was it? 49 points.
Speaker 2:Yeah, I had 49.
Speaker 1:Yeah, wow. So that just must bring high level from you when you play them.
Speaker 2:So best moment of your basketball career so far, I'd probably say winning the first state championship. Just like I couldn't, it didn't even feel real, like that day did not feel real at all Very special, I mean that was the first one for the school. Yeah first one for the school. It just it was. It couldn't, it didn't feel real.
Speaker 1:Yeah, that was an awesome game as well, yeah, so we're going to wrap up with what is your ultimate basketball goal.
Speaker 2:I would say my ultimate basketball goal is to make it to the NBA and, like, stay in the NBA for multiple years.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:So like be a role player in the NBA?
Speaker 1:Yeah you can do it. I have faith in you. You'll definitely do it All right. So thank you, abdu Tori, for joining me on the CIC Glorities podcast. It's truly been awesome being able to know you these four years and to see you develop and grow on that core. It's been awesome to watch. So I wish you the best of luck this upcoming season. I can't wait to hear where you decide to go.
Speaker 2:Thank you.