They have a lot in common. Words that come to mind: athletic, intelligent, integrity. These characteristics describe two outstanding black individuals.

For the second year in a row, Black Issues in Higher Education named Iowa State men’s basketball player Hakeem Abdel-Kahliq to an Arthur Ashe sports scholar team.

“I’m very pleased. It’s always nice to get credit for your accompliahments,” Abdel-Kahliq said.

To be eligible for the award, there are several requirements a nominee must meet. Beth Haag, assistant director of the selection committee, said that these include athletics, academics, and community involvement. “The candidates must have a cumulative 3.2 grade point average, compete in a collegiate sport, and be active on the ISU campus or Ames community,” she said.

Abdel-Kahliq seems to have surpassed these requirements with flying colors. In addition to maintaining a 3.8 GPA through four years of college, he has been a member of the basketball team.

“Playing basketball really added another dimension. Because of the things I had to go through to even make the team, I feel I’m more of a complete person which will help me down the road,” Abdel-Kahliq said.

In this way, Abdel-Kahliq sees a little Arthur Ashe in himself.

“I know he had to face a lot of adversity pertaining to race in his career which I tremendously respect,” he said. He added that while his trials in basketball were less trivial, he still identifies with adversity that added to his character and helped him become a more focused person.

Of all the things he will be remembered for, Abdel-Kahliq hopes it will be his positive countenance. “I hope they remember that I always had a smile on my face and that I was always there for them,” he said.

Abdel-Kahliq said that receiving this award is highly honorable.

“This will definately go high on my list of accomplishments. It’s a big honor to have my name even mentioned with Arthur Ashe,” he said.

Like Ashe, Ha-Keem Abdel Kahliq will be soon be missed and not so soon forgotten.