University of Massachusets Athletics
Ahmed, Martin and Steele Participating in USA East Coast Basketball Trip to Canada
August 11, 2026 | Men's Basketball
AMHERST, Mass. – Massachusetts men's basketball student-athletes Abdullah Ahmed and Christian Martin, along with assistant coach Brian Steele, are participating in USA East Coast's international trip to Canada this week. Steele serves as head coach of the team, leading the group to a 79-75 win over Concordia Monday night in Montreal.
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The team returns to action on Tuesday in Quebec City against Laval Rouge Et Or.
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Founded by longtime coach Guy Rancourt in 2006, USA East Coast has provided college basketball student-athletes with international competition and cultural experiences for more than two decades. The program, formerly known as East Coast All Stars, has represented the United States in 15 countries while collaborating with USA Basketball to help prepare for international competition.
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Ahmed enters his first season at UMass after transferring from BYU. The 6-foot-10 forward/center appeared in 20 games for the Cougars during the 2025-26 season. He established himself as a strong rim protector, recording two five-block performances and two four-block games during the season. In 2024-25, Ahmed played for the Westchester Knicks of the G League and was an elite shot blocker, averaging 3.0 blocks per game in 2024-25 while adding 4.7 points and 5.8 rebounds per contest.
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A freshman, Martin is part of UMass' 2026-27 recruiting class who played for Wilbraham & Monson Academy, one of New England's premier prep basketball programs. He was ranked No. 16 overall in the Massachusetts Class of 2026 by the New England Recruiting Report. The son of UMass head coach Frank Martin, Christian averaged 9.0 points per game during the 2024-25 season with Wilbraham & Monson Academy. Christian played AAU basketball for Mass Rivals.
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Steele, who enters his fifth season on the UMass coaching staff, was hired as an assistant coach in April 2022 after previously working alongside Coach Martin at South Carolina. As a student-athlete, Steele was a three-year letterwinner at South Carolina and served as a student assistant during the 2015-16 season in addition to the 2016-17 Final Four campaign.
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USA East Coast's international program provides student-athletes with an opportunity to compete against teams from around the world while experiencing different cultures. In addition to basketball competition, previous USA East Coast trips have included guided tours, cultural activities and youth clinics.
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UMass season tickets are now available and can be purchased here. Fans can also click here to sign up for the program's annual golf tournament on Monday, Sept. 14 by clicking here.
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The team returns to action on Tuesday in Quebec City against Laval Rouge Et Or.
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Founded by longtime coach Guy Rancourt in 2006, USA East Coast has provided college basketball student-athletes with international competition and cultural experiences for more than two decades. The program, formerly known as East Coast All Stars, has represented the United States in 15 countries while collaborating with USA Basketball to help prepare for international competition.
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Ahmed enters his first season at UMass after transferring from BYU. The 6-foot-10 forward/center appeared in 20 games for the Cougars during the 2025-26 season. He established himself as a strong rim protector, recording two five-block performances and two four-block games during the season. In 2024-25, Ahmed played for the Westchester Knicks of the G League and was an elite shot blocker, averaging 3.0 blocks per game in 2024-25 while adding 4.7 points and 5.8 rebounds per contest.
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A freshman, Martin is part of UMass' 2026-27 recruiting class who played for Wilbraham & Monson Academy, one of New England's premier prep basketball programs. He was ranked No. 16 overall in the Massachusetts Class of 2026 by the New England Recruiting Report. The son of UMass head coach Frank Martin, Christian averaged 9.0 points per game during the 2024-25 season with Wilbraham & Monson Academy. Christian played AAU basketball for Mass Rivals.
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Steele, who enters his fifth season on the UMass coaching staff, was hired as an assistant coach in April 2022 after previously working alongside Coach Martin at South Carolina. As a student-athlete, Steele was a three-year letterwinner at South Carolina and served as a student assistant during the 2015-16 season in addition to the 2016-17 Final Four campaign.
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USA East Coast's international program provides student-athletes with an opportunity to compete against teams from around the world while experiencing different cultures. In addition to basketball competition, previous USA East Coast trips have included guided tours, cultural activities and youth clinics.
Â
UMass season tickets are now available and can be purchased here. Fans can also click here to sign up for the program's annual golf tournament on Monday, Sept. 14 by clicking here.
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Players Mentioned
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