A lot of eyes on Akol
College coaches will return to the camp scene on July 6, a lot of eyes will be on Teeng Akol. The 6-foot-10, 200-pound forward from Our Savior New American in Centerreach, N.Y. struck a cord with the high-majors during the spring and a handful of high-majors want to see the four-star prospect again this summer.
Akol is one of the many players that will participate in the Reebok ABCD camp and Eric Jaklitsch, assistant coach with Akol's New York Elite AAU team, says he won't be surprised to see a lot of the schools he has talked to in the stands at Farleigh Dickinson University on the first day of camp.
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"I'm sure there will probably be a lot of schools there for that first game at the ABCD camp," Jaklitsch said. "He's just trying to improve himself and keep working hard. Everybody wants him but there is still a lot to be done."
Akol, the No. 48 ranked player in the country according to Rivals.com, has a busy summer ahead of him. Prior to playing at ABCD, Akol will spend a week in Richmond, Va., for the NBA Players Association camp.
Playing in the national camps against some of the best players in the country is just what Akol needs, Jaklitsch said.
"He's one of the most skilled guys in the Northeast. I think he still needs to get out there and play against more players across the country.
"I think all of the potential is there but he still has a lot of work to do," Jaklitsch said. "He has been working with a trainer, Jerry Powell, and what you are seeing Teeng do now is because of the work he is putting in with Jerry. He's really helped fine tune his game."
Akol is a fine shooter for a big man but his attention to working on the blocks has impressed college coaches and hoops observers. Akol uses his incredibly long wingspan for a giant target down low and works hard for position.
"He's got to keep working hard and improve on defense," Jaklitsch said. "He's a good shot-blocker but he has to improve on playing hard on the other end."
That is why the phone never stops ringing and the mailbox stays filled around Our Savior New American.
"There are a lot of people calling," Jaklitsch said.
DePaul, St. John's, Miami and Pitt have offered, says Jaklitsch. Seton Hall, Kentucky, Maryland, Georgia, Connecticut and Rutgers have all shown a strong interest as well, says Jaklitsch. While Akol is not favoring any particular school, the recruiting process isn't exactly open either, says his coach.
The summer is about improving. Recruiting is a priority but not in the immediate future. Official visits will happen but "that comes after the summer," Jaklitsch said.
"He's not doing anything until the fall. Maybe he'll take an unofficial visit in August but he has to keep his focus on academics and basketball. There won't be any official visits until he is in school, of course. He's just going to keep working."