Four-star guard Akinjo commits to UConn

Finding a replacement at the point guard position was a major need entering the month of September for the UConn men’s basketball program. On Monday, Kevin Ollie and his staff found the perfect answer as they landed the commitment of Rivals150 guard James Akinjo.

One of the top breakout performers from the July evaluation periods, Akinjo put together a monster performance at the famed Nike Peach Jam, leading his Oakland Soldiers unit to the championship. Named the tournament’s most valuable player, the Rivals150 guard averaged just under 19 points and seven assists, all while making close to half of his perimeter attempts.

Selecting UConn over California, Maryland, Virginia, and Iowa State, Akinjo spoke on his attraction to the AAC program.

“Just being able to focus on basketball and school is big,” he said. “Being surrounded with coaches that played my position before makes me feel really comfortable. I have a lot of trust in Coach Ollie.

“He knows what it feels like to play in the offense that he runs. He runs a pro-style offense and that is really huge. He understands what it takes to get to the next level.”

Akinjo becomes the first full member of the 2018 class to commit to UConn. The Huskies kicked off the month with the transfer commitment of Sidney Wilson, an original member of the 2017 class that may redshirt this winter. UConn will remain in the hunt for further wing additions before focusing further on its 2019 class.