Akol working in the classroom first
Put Teeng Akol's name on the best of the rest list. The 6-foot-10, 200-pound forward from Our Savior New American in Centereach, N.Y. is not signing in the early period. In fact, according to his coaches, he isn't even thinking about recruiting.
Akol, the No. 73 ranked player in the class of 2007, hasn't taken any visits and hasn't even taken a standardized test yet. Akol's focus is strictly on the books, says Eric Jaklitsch, an assistant coach at OSNA.
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"There really isn't a lot going on because he's trying to get his academics in order," Jaklitsch said. "Until he does that, there is really no sense in doing anything else. It's a pretty simple thing. Once he gets it down in the classroom, he'll be okay."
Certainly a high-major prospect, Akol won't be hurting for places to play next year. In fact, DePaul and Pittsburgh remain strong in the race, Jaklitsch says.
"They have done a real good job with him," Jaklitsch said. "They've been heavily involved with him but they know where he's at, too."
"The main thing with him is working hard on his grades and improving every day in the classroom and on the court," Jaklitsch said. "Everything will take care of itself if he does that."
Time is on Akol's side.