The Wake

A new chant echoes across the hardwood floors and penetrates opponents’ ears in the Barn. Its subject: a 6-foot-5-inch freshman forward from Shakopee named Jamal Abu-Shamala. He lacks the Minnesota-typical Scandinavian last name (he is half Arabic and Palestinian), but every time he leaps and launches a high-arching three-pointer that falls through the net, he ignites a growing orchestra of cheers screaming: ABU-SHAMALA. Despite limitations as a role player off the bench, Abu-Shamala’s timely shots and Sports Center-esque last name have made him a fan favorite. Here is a timeout with the man behind the silky-smooth jump shot that Gopher fans hope to see for years to come.

The Wake: What would you change if you were President of the United States?

Abu-Shamala: I would change the war. I am not a big fan of the Iraq War because I don’t see the cause of what they are trying to fight for.

The Wake: You have the highest three-point percentage on the team. Does that make you the best three-point shooter on the team?

Abu-Shamala: I don’t think it makes me the best three-point shooter. I think with my role on the team it’s to take shoot shots that I feel I can make and not overshoot and not get carried away with shooting too much. Other guys on the team are sort of in a role where they have to put up three-point shots even though they are great three-point shooters and they are in tougher positions to make them.

The Wake: Have you experienced any hazing or anything like that from teammates being a freshman?

Abu-Shamala: No hazing. I guess you could say I get treated like the typical freshman. I’ve got freshman duties in the weight room, to pick up when there are extra weights on the ground. Just little stuff like that, nothing real big.

The Wake: Is there a best-dressed player on the team?

Abu-Shamala: Yes there is one…hmm…I would say probably Ryan Saunders. He’s always looking nice: got the gel in the hair, always dressed to impress.

The Wake: If you could be any person in the world, who would it be?

Abu-Shamala: Michael Jordan. I’ve always looked up to him. He’s such a great leader, works hard and basically has reached all the goals I sort of want he has achieved.

The Wake: What is your meaning of life?

Abu-Shamala: To do the best I can everyday and live life to the fullest. Basically, try to help others and be a good person and a good citizen in society.

Pick One:

Dogs or Cats
Fishing or hunting
Minneapolis or Shakopee
Vince Young or Reggie Bush
Daunte Culpepper or Brad Johnson
Rap or Country
Nike or Reebok

Upcoming games:
Jan. 25

Illinois

Many things have happened since March 9, 1996: The Olson twins became really hot, the Yankees appeared in six World Series, and Ken Jennings held a ridiculous record of 74 consecutive wins on Jeopardy. One thing that hasn’t occurred since that infamous date – a Minnesota victory over Illinois. The Gophers have lost 13 consecutive games against the Fighting Illini and hope to end their dominance Wednesday night in Champaign, Ill.

Jan. 29

Indiana

In last year’s Big Ten tournament many Indiana players shaved their heads as a symbol of solidarity to help beat the Gophers. It didn’t work. Minnesota not only crushed Indiana 71-55, but also destroyed the Hoosiers’ chance at playing in the NCAA Tournament. With a revamped lineup and revenge on their minds, the Hoosiers will be a tough test at home for the Gophers on Sunday.