Improving big man Akingbola sees interest expand
If a discussion comes up regarding most improved players in the country over the past 12 months, it shouldn’t take long for Babatunde Akingbola’s name to come up. At this time last year, the 6-foot-9, 220-pound center was still very raw as a prospect. While he still has plenty of room to grow, Akingbola now has better hands and is much smoother finishing around the rim, which is why he’s now ranked in the 2019 Rivals150 at No. 145.
Auburn, NC State, Rutgers, Georgia Tech, Clemson along with a few others have been monitoring the 2019 post player. There is a chance Akingbola will graduate this year and go to college as a member of the 2018 class. If not, he’ll be going to a prep school.
IN HIS OWN WORDS
Akingbola talks about some of the programs recruiting him right now.
Auburn: “It’s great. They always tell me different things to work on and I like that.”
Clemson: “It’s nice there. I’ve only been there once. They haven’t really pressed on me yet, but they talk to my coaches a lot. It’s nice there, their facilities are great, and the coaching staff is really nice.”
NC State: “I think it’s great. It’s nice up there. I saw their practice and it was really energetic.”
Rutgers: “It’s a great program too. They got a new coach last year. They offered me when I was in the ninth grade, so I’ve been there a lot.”
RIVALS REACTION
Auburn and NC State both seem to be prioritizing all the talent at McEachern High School right now, which is a smart move. Both schools will be serious players for Akingbola until the end. Rutgers shouldn’t be counted out of this one as they were the first school to get serious about him, and have had him on campus multiple times as well. If he continues to improve over the next year as much as he has in the past year, this recruiting list will grow exponentially.