We are witnessing the evolution of the highly desired and widely respected “Philly Guard.” As Philadelphia Black Basketball Hall of Famer, Kyle Lowry, begins to wind down his magnificent career, a potential successor to his Philly Guard throne has emerged. Allow me to nominate Ahmad Nowell ’24 (Imhotep/Team Final), a highly skilled and tenacious point guard who commands the basketball court with his exceptional skills and unwavering intensity. Standing 6’1” and built like a hard hitting SEC/Big 10 safety, Nowell possesses a rare combination of talent, toughness, and a relentless competitive spirit that sets him apart from his peers.

Nowell is a certified and bonafide winner. As a freshman in Memphis, his team won a state championship. His Imhotep Panther squads have won 99.9999999% of their matchups and he leads the current number 1 seed, Team Final 17U, on the prestigious EYBL Circuit. No matter what setting or context, Nowell exhibits exceptional ball-handling skills and an ability to orchestrate an offense with precision. His mastery over the basketball is evident as he effortlessly weaves through defenders, utilizing a wide array of dribble moves and crossovers. His quickness and agility allow him to create separation and penetrate the defense, opening up scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.

With a strong mid-range offensive game, Nowell excels at the lost art of stopping suddenly and pulling up for accurate jump shots from the outside or driving to the basket for acrobatic finishes. He possesses exceptional court vision, reading the defense and making smart decisions to find open teammates for scoring opportunities. His ability to control the tempo of the game and make split-second decisions makes him an invaluable asset on the court.

He has caught the attention of the BIG BOYS. Nowell is a SUPAHIGHMAJAH prospect… Kentucky (SEC), Tennessee (SEC), UConn (Big East) and Georgia Tech (ACC) are currently engaged in a fierce battle for his services.

Offensively, Nowell’s craftiness extends beyond his scoring abilities. He possesses excellent passing skills and a high basketball IQ, allowing him to make precise and creative assists. Whether it’s threading the needle with a pinpoint bounce pass or delivering a well-timed alley-oop, Nowell consistently finds ways to make his teammates better and elevate the overall performance of his team’s offense.Nowell’s competitiveness and intensity shine through on the defensive end as well. He NEVER, EVER backs down… He seeks out the challenge of defending the best players on the opposing teams. He possesses quick hands and exceptional lateral quickness, enabling him to stay in front of his opponents and disrupt their offensive flow. His defensive tenacity and disciplined approach frustrate opposing guards, forcing turnovers and creating scoring opportunities in transition.

Known for his toughness, Nowell epitomizes the Imhotep basketball culture developed by Andre Noble over the past 2 decades. He thrives in high-pressure situations, always stepping up when his team needs him the most. His leadership qualities and vocal presence on the court inspire his teammates to give their all and elevate their own performances.

Off the court, he has benefitted immensely from Tasheed Carr’s guidance and nurturing. Nowell’s work ethic is unmatched. He is always in the gym. He is conscious of his diet and conditioning. His weight never fluctuates. His coaches consistently state that his often the first to arrive at practice and the last to leave, relentlessly honing his skills and pushing himself to improve. His dedication to the game and his teammates serves as a motivating force for everyone around him.

Ahmad Nowell is the quintessential “Philly Guard” in 2023-2024. Highly skilled, tough, and intensely competitive, he is ranked among the top 30 in the nation by ESPN. With his exceptional ball-handling, strong mid-range offensive game, and outstanding defensive abilities, he dominates the court on both ends. Nowell’s leadership, tenacity, and relentless pursuit of excellence make him an invaluable asset to any team. Whenever you get an opportunity to watch him play with his Panther teammates, please take advantage of it. Nowell is setting the new standard for what it means to be a true Philly point guard.