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4-star Class of 2018 point guard James Akinjo has committed to Georgetown.
ITS OFFICIAL‼️ JAMES AKINJO IS OFFICIALLY A HOYA Washington D.C. HERE WE COME ‼️‼️ pic.twitter.com/JVWTd1hc7L
— MAXX_1OF1 (@MaxxUpdated) April 16, 2018
Akinjo, ranked 97th in ESPN’s Top 100, became a top priority for Patrick Ewing and the staff after he decommitted from UConn, and fills the need for a natural point guard on the current roster. Importantly, his recruitment is a positive sign for Hoyas fans and a big win for Ewing on the recruiting trail as Georgetown beat out Power 5 schools including Arizona and Tennessee among others for the California native.
On the same day that Akinjo received a release from his Letter of Intent from UConn, Ewing paid him an in-home visit.
James Akinjo 1st official home visit thanks for making the trip to Cali on short notice @CoachEwing33 #H O F #33 pic.twitter.com/q0G92rsVSD
— MAXX_1OF1 (@MaxxUpdated) March 20, 2018
Two weeks later, Akinjo took an official visit to campus.
James Akinjo on his 1st official visit @GeorgetownHoops @CoachEwing33 pic.twitter.com/yIhbky5tLC
— MAXX_1OF1 (@MaxxUpdated) April 6, 2018
Thanks to every coach & every Fan who see the potential in James Akinjo we appreciate it all James Akinjo has decided to continue his education and career with Georgetown!! #gohoyas pic.twitter.com/cUOE6se4L9
— Rachel J (@rachelgotmail1) April 16, 2018
Per Rivals.com:
A product of Salesian College Preparatory located on the outskirts of Oakland, California, Akinjo boosted his stock last summer as he took home MVP honors at the famed Nike Peach Jam. He was the catalyst for his Oakland Soldiers travel unit winning the championship posting just under 19 points and seven assists, all while making close to half of his perimeter attempts.
Known for his toughness, ability to make the right play with the ball in his hands, and tremendous defensive prowess, Akinjo is a giant score for Georgetown. They recently saw junior guard Tre Campbell transfer out of the program and Jonathan Mulmore and Trey Dickerson graduate, as Akinjo has the chance to step in and earn over 20 minutes per game at the lead guard position.
In the 2018 class, the Rivals150 prospect will be joined by fellow four-star Josh LeBlanc, along with Grayson Carter and the super explosive Mac McClung, giving the Hoyas one of its best classes since the recent transformation of the Big East.
UConn site A Dime Back had this to say about Akinjo when he committed to UConn:
At six-feet, 160 pounds, Akinjo has the skill set of a traditional point guard, but enough athleticism to play off the ball as well. He has a solid handle, a soft touch and a natural passing eye. Most encouraging, however, is his reputation as a lockdown on-ball defender and his budding leadership skills.
Highlights below:
Akinjo joins an impressive first recruiting class for Ewing which already includes 4-star forward Josh LeBlanc, 4-star forward Grayson Carter, and 3-star guard Mac McClung.
Current Scholarship Table HERE.
Welcome to the Hilltop, James Akinjo!