PORT NECHES — Port Neches-Groves basketball coach Pat Abel said his son was recently in mid-season fishing shape.
Then Ryan Abel got a call from Lamar State College Port Arthur hoops coach Lance Madison. Ryan signed with the Seahawks Wednesday.
“It was opportunity that arose that I didn’t think was going to happen,” the PNG graduate said. “Coach Madison made it happen. I am just happy to be here and signing to play for Lamar State College Port Arthur.
“I had pretty much accepted my career was over until Coach called and gave me the opportunity to play a few more years.”
Abel averaged 14 points, 11 rebounds and 2.5 blocks a game as a senior.
Pat Abel knows his son brings a lot to the Seahawks who are coming off a Region XIV tournament berth last season.
“It is a great opportunity,” Abel said. “We are real proud of him. He is a great young man. He is a hard worker and will do anything you ask of him. I think he was in mid-season fishing form and got the call during a fishing tournament. He had the chance to think about it and he decided to give it shot and see where it goes.”
Madison said he was excited to have a player of Abel’s abilities added to his roster, in large part because of the player’s basketball IQ.
“I think he is a fundamentally sound basketball player,” Madison said. “We are glad to have him. I always look for a coach’s son. They know the hard work and dedication it takes to be successful. He has been well coached by his father. Hopefully he will lead by example in practice drills and bring a coach’s mentality to the court for us.”
Both Abels enjoy the fact Ryan is now set to play his home games at the Carl Parker Center, a short drive for the family.
“Being a football coach as well as the basketball coach, a lot our time is spent,” Pat Abel said. “With him staying local, we will be able to catch some games. It is a great opportunity to have that in our back yard.”
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Gabriel Pruett: 721-2436. Twitter: @PaNewsGabe