#33
Junior • 2V
Forward
6-6 • 187
Woodside, N.Y.
Archbishop Molloy
On Abit: An intelligent, hard working walk-on
player … contributes to intensity at practices and provides
tremendous defense in the post … a terrific shot blocker … serves
as Red Storm men’s basketball’s representative on the St John’s
Student-Athlete Advisory Council (S.A.A.C.).
Norm Roberts on Abit: “Otoja does a great job
of bringing energy to practice every day. He is a guy that has to
be inside with the bigger guys that are more physical. He brings
explosiveness and intensity every single day to practice, which
really helps prepare our guys for the season.”
As a Sophomore in 2005-06: Sidelined with an
ankle injury until the second semester … did not see game action …
was a contributor at practice all spring.
As a Freshman in 2004-05: Saw action in six
contests … grabbed two rebounds for the season, both on the
defensive end … totaled one carom in one minute in a St. John’s
Holiday Festival victory over No. 17 NC State (Dec. 30) … tallied
one board in one minute at Syracuse (Feb. 23) … logged one minute
in BIG EAST action vs. Georgetown (Feb. 20) … also totaled one
minute of action vs. Duke (Feb. 26).
At Archbishop Molloy High School: Attended
Archbishop Molloy, where he was mentored by St. John’s alum and
coaching legend Jack Curran, from 1999-2003 … lettered in both
basketball and baseball … the recipient of the Coaches’ Award in
2003, averaging 11.0 points and 6.0 rebounds during his senior
season … played for the No. 6 nationally-ranked Molloy team in 2002
… a member of the New York City Jaguars AAU team from 2001-03 and
captained the Jaguars in 2003 … helped the 2002 Empire State team
win a gold medal … spent a year at the Gunnery Preparatory School
before coming to St. John’s.
Personal: Otoja Ben Abit … born June 3,
1985 in Brooklyn … son of Ann and Ben Abit … father, Ben, is a 1986
graduate of St. John’s … has one sister, Erima (24) … has appeared
in the lead role of school plays during his scholastic career … won
a photography award of excellence at the Gunnery … majoring in
communications.
Abit Up Close…
Favorite book: The Catcher in the Rye.
Since coming to St. John’s I’ve learned: How to
manage my time.
Favorite quote: “Who better than Abit?”
I came to St. John’s because: I knew Coach Roberts
would help me on the court and in life.
If I were President for the day I would: Put an end to war
and encourage peace.