Akognon Returns from Visit, More to Come

Recently, Josh Akognon from Casa Grande High School in Petaluma (Calif.) returned from his first official visit with a firm leader. As signing day approaches, the 5-foot-11 point guard whose recruiting continues under the radar, still has some business remaining, including more scheduled visits and a possible tournament appearance. Here is the latest update.

According to his coach, Jeremy Russotti, Josh visited USC the last weekend in March. "He visited USC last weekend and had a blast," said Russotti. "The staff and players were really nice and took care of him. He really enjoyed the campus, and could see himself fit nicely with the program."

USC will have six seniors on the roster next season and are in desperate need of a scoring point guard. "Coach Bibby was very honest and stated his expectations clearly," said Jeremy. "Luckily for him and any coach, Josh is a tireless worker that will outwork anybody in probably almost any program."

Akognon was scheduled to take an official visit to Oregon but the date has been pushed back. Oregon is a plus because Akognon will be close to his good friend and former Casa Grande teammate, Angelo Tsagarakis, who is at Oregon State. Instead, University of Michigan is flying in today for an in-home visit and to observe Akognon in workouts at his high school. An official visit to Ann Arbor is also likely.

And who is Josh favoring at this time? "I would say that he is favoring USC right now just because of how he loved his trip," said the coach.

When asked what they are looking for in a school, Russotti said, "[Josh] really has no idea what he would major in, so his decision will be more based on the team, players, coaches, and location."

Akognon originally planned to sign on the first day of the late signing period on April 14. Instead, he may participate in the Pump Easter Tournament next weekend to allow coaches to get a final look. "Most likely he will be attending the Vegas tournament next weekend, where a lot of coaches will be and want to see him play since setting something up in our area with time schedules is becoming difficult," said Russotti. "Right now, we are preparing him to get ready for Vegas." Josh is expected to sign shortly after the Vegas trip.

In the meantime, he is undergoing a rigorous speed, conditioning, and core training program, working out 3-4 hours a day on improving his jumping ability, quickness, and conditioning. The other few days, he is playing with the Santa Rosa Junior College team.