The next time the class of 2018 gets ranked, small forward Emmanuel Akot will be in line for a move to five-star status. In the more immediate future, the 6-foot-8 junior at Mt. Pleasant (Utah) Wasatch Academy is nearing a college decision.
Down to a final four of Arizona, Louisville, Oregon and Utah, Akot recently took official visits to Tucson and Salt Lake City and looks ready to make his choice.
IN HIS OWN WORDS
A true wing with size, skill and athleticism, Akot discussed what has allowed him to flourish as a junior.
"I think I'm very versatile," Akot told Rivals.com. "I can score the ball and create for my teammates. My ability to pass is my best strength. I'm also a good defender."
Akot also broke down his official visits to Arizona and Utah.
Arizona: "Arizona is a great school. My parents and I got more comfortable with the coaching staff. Coach Miller said he'll put the ball in my hands and will allow me to make plays but also expects me to be a great defender. The atmosphere was great and I had a great visit."
Utah: "I had a great visit. Coach K told me that I would be a big pick up for their program. He would put me in a lot of pick and roll and allow to me create. I would have a role similar to Delon Wright. It was good to see how important I am to their program."
WHAT'S NEXT?
Though he has not visited Louisville or Oregon, Akot told Rivals.com that he is ready to make his choice. He will choose between Arizona and Utah and the decision is likely to come sometime this week.
RIVALS REACTION
While Akot had been down to a final four, most of the talk behind the scenes has been that it is really a race between Arizona and Utah and that he would likely decide soon after his visits and that is exactly how things have played out.
Utah has been involved with his recruitment from the beginning and has built an outstanding relationship. The question is if it is strong enough to hold off a run from a program that recruits the way Arizona does. For his part, Akot says the decision will come down to where he feels most comfortable and which program puts him in the best position for an NBA career.
