Courant article on Akok Akok

[HooperScooper]

That completes Amore's series on the newcomers.

“He wants coaching,” Hurley said. "He wants to get better. He’s got his goals written down on paper. He lives in here [the Werth Family Center].”

Akok Akok working quietly, diligently to improve his game for UConn men

There has always been a bit of mystique to Akok Akok. The talent is easy to see, but he is not one to give away his thoughts. “With Akok, trust is earned,” UConn coach Dan Hurley said. …

www.courant.com

 

[CL82]

Without a true “rim protector,” Hurley had to get away from the pressure defense that is his signature during last season. With Akok’s shot-blocking helping them now, there is the promise that the Huskies’ guards can stay aggressive.

With the addition of Bouk and Gaffney we've got the rest of the pieces now. If Akok and Carlton can be an eraser down low, we'll be a dramatically better team this year.

"The more comfortable you start to see him in and around everything, that’s when he is going to start looking like the prospect he wants to be. Right now, as a freshman, being a guy that keeps his mouth shut and just calls out screens and works really hard – that’s what we want him to be right now.”

Shot at Cobb?

 

[husky429]

Gained 6lbs. Not great, but not bad for a kid starting from no experience at all.

If he can go into the season over 205lbs, it would be impressive. Tough with conditioning starting up though

 

[uchusky32]

Gained 6lbs. Not great, but not bad for a kid starting from no experience at all.

If he can go into the season over 205lbs, it would be impressive. Tough with conditioning starting up though

With the amount of calories they are burning not bad. Needs to be able to play basketball not D line.

 

[Dream Jobbed 2.0]

He looks “skinny strong” in recent pictures and clips.

 

[GHSWolverines]

He will be someone special. It's always nice to have a coachable kid who is hungry to learn.

 

[UconnU]

He will be someone special. It's always nice to have a coachable kid who is hungry to learn.

His coachability gives me hope that he will reach his potential. You can see his work in the weight room already paying off.

 

[Hey Adrien!]

A comparison for those concerned about Akok's weight:

Jonathan Isaac is listed at 6'10 210.
Brandon Ingram is listed at 6'9 190.

These are 21 year old NBA pros.

 

[RayIsTheGOAT]

Not really concerned about conditioning or muscle development anymore. For everyone worried about how many pounds over or under 200 Akok is, remember that we have a real coaching staff now and a pro level fitness trainer.

The program is in good hands now. These kids will be in D1 game shape from now on under Hurley, Alosi and co.

And they sure as hell know a lot more about conditioning and strength training than any of us do, or the previous coaching staff did.

 

[Waquoit]

Shot at Cobb?

I dunno, does everything have to be a shot?

 

[imno1]

His coachability gives me hope that he will reach his potential. You can see his work in the weight room already paying off.

Akok realizes there are several million reasons to work his *$$ Off

 

[RichZ]

At this point, his body to me is reminiscent of Mek as a freshman. Slender but cut, especially in the upper body.

 

[ctchamps]

At this point, his body to me is reminiscent of Mek as a freshman. Slender but cut, especially in the upper body.

Work ethic reminds me of Okafer.

Don’t expect to hear this kid is racing scooters on campus.

 

[Chin Diesel]

That completes Amore's series on the newcomers.

“He wants coaching,” Hurley said. "He wants to get better. He’s got his goals written down on paper. He lives in here [the Werth Family Center].”

Akok Akok working quietly, diligently to improve his game for UConn men

There has always been a bit of mystique to Akok Akok. The talent is easy to see, but he is not one to give away his thoughts. “With Akok, trust is earned,” UConn coach Dan Hurley said. …

www.courant.com

I remember a former Husky coach and some former Husky players talking about the need for these kids to live in the gym and gym rats.
Looks like UConn has one.

 

[Devland]

That completes Amore's series on the newcomers.

“He wants coaching,” Hurley said. "He wants to get better. He’s got his goals written down on paper. He lives in here [the Werth Family Center].”

Akok Akok working quietly, diligently to improve his game for UConn men

There has always been a bit of mystique to Akok Akok. The talent is easy to see, but he is not one to give away his thoughts. “With Akok, trust is earned,” UConn coach Dan Hurley said. …

www.courant.com

Sad they can't get him a dorm room.

 

[Burnsbros23]

He should have put on more than 6 pounds. Got a 6’9 kid at LSU he put 17 on in four months. Each kid different though

 

[jibsey]

There is only one concern for this kid who is critical for us. As skinny as he is, can he stay uninjured on the court? This is what worries me about this season.

 

[gtcam]

Can't wait to see what he brings
He was sooo skinny when I last saw and spoke to him in March and the picture today does exhibit a growth in muscle across his shoulders but is till somewhat slim - some guys just have a hard time gaining weight
He will need it with this front court
I do think he will, if he stays healthy, bring some entertaining defense and outside shooting - he will work on that midrange game

 

[Slick]

At this point, his body to me is reminiscent of Mek as a freshman. Slender but cut, especially in the upper body.

Omg totally different player

 

[RichZ]

Omg totally different player

I didn't say anything about his game (although he does seem to have shot blocking instincts). I was talking about his body. Emeka was a bit under 6'10" and weighed about 185 as a freshman, but had similar shoulder width and decent muscularity for his lack of bulk. Akok's build looks similar.

 

[Chin Diesel]

I didn't say anything about his game (although he does seem to have shot blocking instincts). I was talking about his body. Emeka was a bit under 6'10" and weighed about 185 as a freshman, but had similar shoulder width and decent muscularity for his lack of bulk. Akok's build looks similar.

Emeka was about 230 lbs as a frosh.

 

[Chin Diesel]

I didn't say anything about his game (although he does seem to have shot blocking instincts). I was talking about his body. Emeka was a bit under 6'10" and weighed about 185 as a freshman, but had similar shoulder width and decent muscularity for his lack of bulk. Akok's build looks similar.

2001-02 Men's Basketball Roster - University of Connecticut Athletics

 

[NYtoCT]

Omg totally different player

Since we’re making irrational player comparisons, I thought I’d share that I’m getting more of an Andre Drummond vibe

 

[HooperScooper]

At this point, his body to me is reminiscent of Mek as a freshman. Slender but cut, especially in the upper body.

I'm curious why you think that. Okafor was 6-9 and 240 as a freshman and was very well built when he got to UConn. Not even close to Akok.

 

[Husky68]

He should have put on more than 6 pounds. Got a 6’9 kid at LSU he put 17 on in four months. Each kid different though

Per live strong health site:

"Men training appropriately for muscle gain can expect to put on about 1 pound per month, while those with 3 years of dedicated training will likely only be able to add about half a pound per month. "

They make big distinction between muscle and weight. Maybe "not quite men yet" late teens and early 20's can do more.

 

[Son of Robert]

Akok Akok is going to be a game changer on defense. We haven't had a really mobile, athletic, and naturally talented 6'10 shot blocker in quite some time. Our interior defense just got a lot better, which affects our perimeter D also. We're going to be tougher this year, harder to score on.

 

[Burnsbros23]

Per live strong health site:

"Men training appropriately for muscle gain can expect to put on about 1 pound per month, while those with 3 years of dedicated training will likely only be able to add about half a pound per month. "

They make big distinction between muscle and weight. Maybe "not quite men yet" late teens and early 20's can do more.

Just so much that goes into this. Lot of these kids are finally getting appropriate meals for the first time. They pumped them with protein shakes. Just text my kid, came in 194 last July currently 222. Redshirted this past year.

 

[uconnflyer88]

Just so much that goes into this. Lot of these kids are finally getting appropriate meals for the first time. They pumped them with protein shakes. Just text my kid, came in 194 last July currently 222. Redshirted this past year.

Plus a lot of these guys lose weight before they put on, so while it may be 6 lbs NET gain, he may have lost 5 - 7 lbs of fat and then put on 10 - 13 lbs of muscle

 

[husky429]

Just so much that goes into this. Lot of these kids are finally getting appropriate meals for the first time. They pumped them with protein shakes. Just text my kid, came in 194 last July currently 222. Redshirted this past year.

I am almost positive I know who you're talking about. His body is different than Akok's which could explain the difference.

Akok has super skinny hips and legs.. weight gain will be tough for him. His arms are bigger for sure, but he the big compound lifts are where he'll gain some real athleticism and size. It took months to prep him for heavier lifts.

He was also doing serious weight training for at least a few months (with a team of strength coaches) before getting to uconn. Entirely possible his total weight gain in the last 9 months is more like 10-15 lbs.

 

[jibsey]

Akok reminds me of Donyell who was long and rangy and had great shooting touch, along with shot blocking. Donyell might have been more solidly built but just imagine if he turns out to be that good. Donyell was not a center and neither is Akok. If he ends up guarding opponents centers for long periods he will take a beating. He has the length but not the muscle to do it. Help defender, fine.