Hardwood Classic: James Akinjo's recruitment has taken off
LAWRENCE, Kans. -- Just a week ago, point guard James Akinjo was helping the Oakland Soldiers hoist the championship trophy at Nike's Peach Jam. Akinjo and the Soldiers were knocked out at the Hardwood Classic on Sunday but he remains one of the hottest point guard recruits in America.
Currently a non ranked three-star prospect, the six footer has certainly made a strong case for the post summer Rivals150
"It always feels good to win, the Peach Jam was something that we worked hard all year for and it feels great. For me individually I wouldn't be anywhere without my team, they help me get all of my accolades and as a group they help to put me in a position to look good and score."
Prior to July's live periods, Akinjo picked up late spring offers from California and Connecticut -- who were both watching him on Saturday -- and since the Peach Jam he's added Indiana, Maryland, Iowa State (head coach Steve Prohm watched Saturday), UNLV and Pittsburgh.
While Akinjo seized opportunity to launch his recruitment into a new stratosphere, he always had the confidence that he would attract big offers.
"It was about opportunity and showing what I can do at the right time," said Akinjo. "I feel like I deserved offers from all of those schools and I feel like I deserve even more. I always felt like this was going to happen because I believed in the work that I was putting in and now I'm going to keep working."
Given that California is near Akinjo's home, he's been on campus and he feels like he has a good relationship with Wyking Jones.
"I have a great relationship with California, that's the hometown school," said Akinjo. "I've been knowing Wyking Jones for a couple of years now and we just keep building our relationship."
UConn head coach Kevin Ollie has been selling Akinjo on the idea of coming and playing for a former NBA point guard.
"Coach Ollie says to come play for a point guard," said Akinjo. "A lot of great point guards have gone to UConn and they really get the most out of them. I love the system."
With so much new attention, Akinjo hasn't set any kind of timetable and he said that no new offer stood out over the others. At some point he will look to set official visits and one program is sure to get a visit.
"I have to take my time and kind of investigate things," said Akinjo. "I am for sure going to take an official visit to UConn, that's the one for sure. I've been over to Cal unofficially and they are close enough that I don't have to take an official to them."