From learning a new language from scratch, to learning just how to play the game he loves, the 7-foot-1 Egypt born big man Ahmed Ismail is anything but average. He left his native home at the age of 19 after only starting to play basketball at the age of 16. The larger than life center has come a long way to get where he currently is and that journey is bound to continue as his career will not be coming to an end at the conclusion of his collegiate career. He is stronger for his journey, as he left home at a time most kids his age are just leaving high school. His family and support group have been a tremendous asset as this young man trekked across the Atlantic Ocean, coming to America to achieve his goal of being the best player he can be.

You'd think growing up in Cairo, Egypt, the upbringing for Ismail would be different from most of his American teammates. But there are more similarities than differences.

Growing up in a loving family who only wanted the best for him, basketball was not on the forefront as he was being raised in the country with a population of 20 million. Growing up in a heavily populated area like that does not mean he didn't stand out for, in his words, 'my blessed size'. His early growth in the height department to eventually 7-foot-1 was one factor in him discovering basketball, which became the sport he fell in love with.
 
He loves to watch LeBron James, but patterns his game after fellow international players and brothers Marc and Pau Gasol. He takes pieces of their games and adds it to his skillset, but Ismail's underrated trait is his energy and drive when approaching the game.

"I am the guy who brings energy, and plays hard every day. I do whatever it takes to be a better teammate and person," Ismail said. 

It is that energy and passion for the game that has helped him stand out as he's only been playing organized basketball for eight years. Learning the game was his biggest challenge on the court, as he needed to understand all the working parts that work together to make any team successful. His size, determination and work ethic have given him an edge as he has been productive at every stop along the way.

Off the court the language barrier was an issue, as his native language of Arabic has always come easier. Learning English was his biggest issue off the court, but just like basketball, he has found ways to be successful while learning.
 
On the court production has been the norm every stop along the way, even while learning the concepts and strategy of the game. His journey that started in Egypt, led him to Colby Community College in Kansas, Manhattan University in New York City and now to Indianapolis. He's winding down his final collegiate year and looks forward to the pro ranks.

His journey would not be easy if not for his great support group of his family back home in Cairo and his two different families happy to welcome him into their home here in the United States. This group has made the transition each stop along the way easier and he is very grateful to have a big group of people in his corner wanting nothing but success for him.

Professional basketball is the goal after this season, either in the G-League or overseas. While he's grateful for the playing opportunity, he's even more proud of earning his college degree. His degree from IUPUI with two minors in Arabic and Business will always be something nobody can take away from him as he'll graduate from with his chest puffed out and head held high.
 
This year Ismail has had the biggest impact on and off the court.

On the court he is a new player compared to when he first reached the states. 

"The coaches have given me more confidence," Ismail said of head coach Jason Gardner and the staff. 

Off the court the education, development in maturity and friends he has made is equally beneficial as he will have these things for life, long after basketball ends. He will leave the IUPUI program in a better place than he found it - something he is extremely proud of. He knows he can look back in the future and know he had a huge role in the evolution of basketball at IUPUI.

This isn't the end - not even close.

He has a bright future no matter where his journey takes him next. He is proud of where he comes from and what he has accomplished. There's no traffic on the extra mile, something he knows all too well. It is this extra mile that has led him to the bright future he has in front of him. For the tallest player in IUPUI history, the sky is the limit, literally and figuratively.