Incredible Akok game

[awfuldan]

Akok was awesome today. Couple special blocks, two much-needed three-pointers, and he held his own at center against a legit 5-man when Whaley was out with foul trouble. Happy to see this kid play some of his best basketball, figured he deserved his own thread.

 

[Palatine]

He'll get even better. That will be fun.

 

[superjohn]

He played great, player of game.

 

[storrsroars]

Great to see him play that well. Question is, when Sanogo and Martin return, who's minutes is he taking?

 

[elmcityboy]

not sure if i was just paying extra attention to it or not, but he seemed to make some serious effort on free-throw box-outs, too.

 

[superjohn]

Great to see him play that well. Question is, when Sanogo and Martin return, who's minutes is he taking?

He's a weapon with the shotblocking and corner threes. He has to get minutes and he shouldn't be floating around out there.

 

[OUTATIME]

He is so easy to root for.

 

[SubbaBub]

Stepped up when Whaley when to the bench. Definitely a key stretch.

 

[jdb50]

Akok stepped up today when needed. He hit shots early and defended the paint late. Great to see.

 

[Chin Diesel]

Great to see him play that well. Question is, when Sanogo and Martin return, who's minutes is he taking?

Hopefully both. There's 22-25 minutes each for the three of them. Ideally, if Akok keeps shooting 3's he takes Martin's minutes.

 

[Rico444]

He's still not even back to where he was pre-injury, athleticism-wise. If he can gain that back, look out.

 

[WeAreUCONN]

Akok played well but they need to find him more shots. Watching others chuck up 3’s is not a winning formula.

 

[Huskybass]

Akok played well overall, but got used on defense several times. Gotta think his cieling is so much higher. Maybe a year from now with added strength he will be a star.

 

[Brochacho]

Thinking back to the Indiana MSG game and today’s as his best two performances that come to mind. Guess he is a NYC Metro area neutral court player!

 

[UCTitleTown]

He'll get even better. That will be fun.

How many years of eligibility does he have left? Announcer said he's a junior. It seems like he's just starting and will be gone next year?

 

[dennismenace]

I am so happy for him. Tough kid full of hustle. He's just starting to round into game shape and the best games are ahead of him. He looked like he was also playing with more poise and patience. Sets a good example for the others in this respect. Psyched up but under control. This was a great gritty game with the bench getting valuable minutes as we prepare for the return of Martin and Adama.

 

[UncleSpliff]

How many years of eligibility does he have left? Announcer said he's a junior. It seems like he's just starting and will be gone next year?

He should have 2 more years of eligibility after this with the Covid year everyone got this year.

 

[Tampahusky]

I feel he was our best player today. Did everything great with his opportunities came. I still think he’s not 100% back yet when you see him switch/ hedge on defense but he’s getting there.

 

[Umami Zen]

Was playing with some swag.. Got knocked to the floor a few times. Good for confidence in his legs to bounce back and keep playing. Best game for him in a long time.

 

[jdb50]

Akok got knocked down in the second half and was in a pile making me think 'oh no" but he got right up and went back at it. Think about being an elite athlete, breaking your achilles and coming back. Late in the game he blocked a shot and instead of going towards the shooter and with those refs drawing a foul he went straight up and we came down with the block. Great play!

 

[Bonamassa]

No need to talk about next year, it's early enough that Akok could go off this year.

 

[Waquoit]

Great to see him play that well. Question is, when Sanogo and Martin return, who's minutes is he taking?

 

[YellowMamba]

He just plays with so much passion! I could see that he LOVES to play basketball.

 

[KingAG]

I would love to see Hurley draw some more plays to get Akok open from 3. I mean 8-13 is a pretty good sample size to maybe start treating him like a shooter. It’d open up his driving lanes. Especially with Adama back

 

[Palatine]

He's more impressive in person. The speed he gets up and down the court is something to see.

 

[UCPharma11]

ADAMA needs to be incorporated a little better as a passer (I know not a ADAMA post) but when he comes back ADAMA to AKOK connection would be unstoppable. Put Adama on the low block and AKOK and Polley in proximal 3 triangular formation ready to take a inside out pass and that brings another layer of game from us.

 

[UConn_Top_Dog]

I want nothing more than to see this kid explode on the national spotlight. Just hope to God he stays healthy please!

 

[Get a Job]

I'll just say this: I am pleasantly surprised at the extinction of the lame phallic Akok pun that was so rampant on this board.

 

[HuskyHawk]

Only thing holding him back is the team realizing what he can do. African guys tend to be humble and he is overly deferential. Tonight they gave him confidence and he rewarded it with an outstanding game at both ends. He was so impactful on D. Just all over.

 

[BigErnMcCracken]

Only thing holding him back is the team realizing what he can do. African guys tend to be humble and he is overly deferential. Tonight they gave him confidence and he rewarded it with an outstanding game at both ends. He was so impactful on D. Just all over.

This post made me laugh. The only reason Akok hasn’t been better this season is his teammates. You used the word “epic” in another thread. You said he was the player of the game earlier in the season in a game in which he scored 2 points and played about 10 minutes.

Understand I’m not being snarky, I genuinely enjoy the completely over the top Akok stuff from you this year. I’m glad it was finally justified, he was really good today. I hope it continues.