Jamal Abu-Shamala
Jamal Abu-Shamala | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 25, 1987 |
| Occupation | Professional basketball player (retired) |
| Years active | 2005–2011 |
| Known for | Collegiate basketball at University of Minnesota, NBA Development League, Jordan and Palestine national basketball teams |
Jamal Abu-Shamala (; born July 25, 1987) is a retired Palestinian-American professional basketball athlete. During the 2010–11 season, he competed in the NBA Development League with the Sioux Falls Skyforce after playing collegiate basketball for the Minnesota Golden Gophers.
His international career started in 2008 with the Jordanian national basketball team, and in 2011, he began representing the Palestine national basketball team on the global stage.
College career
Abu-Shamala entered the University of Minnesota as a walk-on player but secured a scholarship following his freshman year (2005–06), during which he appeared in 30 games and started 10. His sophomore year (2006–07) marked his peak performance, as he started in 21 out of 31 contests, averaged 6.5 points per game, and made 44 of 102 three-point attempts. Throughout his college tenure, he participated in 128 games with 62 starts, accumulating 592 points and 270 rebounds. He ended his collegiate career with a field goal percentage of 43.2% and an impressive three-point shooting accuracy of 40.1%, placing him seventh in Minnesota's all-time rankings. In recognition of his achievements in athletics, academics, leadership, and community service, he was awarded the University of Minnesota's Outstanding Student-Athlete Award in 2009.
International career
Abu-Shamala caught the attention of the Jordan men's national basketball team after a game featuring him was aired on ESPN. Eligible to represent Jordan due to his Palestinian roots—he remarked that "65–75 percent of Jordan is Palestinian"—he initially was unaware of Palestine’s national team until facing them in competition. Despite a preference to play for Palestine, his obligations to Jordan delayed this change. He played a role in helping Jordan defend their title at the William Jones Cup.
Following difficulties in acquiring a Jordanian passport after two years with their squad, Abu-Shamala made his debut for Palestine at the 2011 Pan Arab Games.
Personal life
Born to a Palestinian father and an American mother, Abu-Shamala’s father relocated from Gaza to the United States at age 21.
External links
- Jamal Abu-Shamala at asia-basket.com
- Jamal Abu-Shamala at RealGM
- [1]
- Minnesota bio