Montverde's Abdou-Halil Barre impresses at Hoophall Classic | Zagsblog
Recent Posts
About ZagsBlog
Adam Zagoria covers basketball at all levels. He is the author of two books and an award-winning journalist whose articles have appeared in ESPN The Magazine, SLAM, Sheridan Hoops, Sports Illustrated, Basketball Times and in newspapers nationwide.
Follow Zags on Twitter
Couldn't connect with Twitter
Contact Zags
Connect with Zags:
Thursday / March 28.
  • Montverde’s Abdou-Halil Barre impresses at Hoophall Classic

    Share Zagsblog Share Zagsblog
    By GREG LEVINSKY

    SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Abou-Halil Barre knows the blueprint for basketball success from his half-brother Mouphtaou Yarou. 

    After attending Montrose Christian School, Yarou  played at Villanova. He is now in his seventh professional season. 

    Barre, a 6-foot-8, 220 pound center was born in Benin, Africa, but lived in Paris for most of his childhood. The 16-year-old Class of 2022 prospect is the most intriguing player on the Montverde Academy Center Basketball Development roster. Yarou’s experience gave way to many lessons for Barre upon coming to America at age 13.

    “He taught me a lot about America,” Barre said this past weekend at the Hoophall Classic. “He said, ‘America is like a jungle, basketball is different than in Africa and France,’ so I’ve got to play hard.”  

    Since coming to America, Barre has only lived at the schools he attended.  He went to Our Saviour New American in New York for two years before coming to CBD Montverde for his sophomore season.

    On the AAU front, a friend of Yarou’s connected Barre with Expressions Elite of Nike’s Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) circuit. Barre credited the program with an inviting atmosphere and place to hone his development. 

    “Expressions, they helped me a lot to develop my game this past summer,” Barre said. “They fly me up, every practice, everything.” 

    In a 62-61 win against Cushing Academy (MA) on Sunday, Barre posted six points, 11 rebounds and three blocks. He also displayed a ferocious defensive intensity and instinct. The rim-running center is still developing his offensive arsenal, but is a solid finisher inside. 

    As for college recruiting, he doesn’t have offers yet, but said Gonzaga, Virginia Tech and Villanova have watched him play. Barre is thrilled to begin the recruiting process. 

    “I’m really excited, really really excited,” Barre said. “College is the best way to get into the league. High school is just the beginning, but in college, they can find you if you belong in the league.”

    Follow Greg on Twitter

    Follow Adam Zagoria on Twitter

    And Like ZAGS on Facebook

    Written by

    [email protected]

    Adam Zagoria is a Basketball Insider who covers basketball at all levels. A contributor to The New York Times and SportsNet New York (SNY), he is also the author of two books and is an award-winning journalist and filmmaker. His articles have appeared in ESPN The Magazine, SLAM, Sheridan Hoops, Basketball Times and in newspapers nationwide. He also won an Emmy award for his work on the SNY mini-documentary on Syracuse guard Tyus Battle. A veteran Ultimate Frisbee player, he has competed in numerous National and World Championships and, perhaps more importantly, his teams won the Westchester Summer League (WSL) championships in 2011 and 2013. He lives in Manhattan with his wife and children.

  • } });
    X