James Akinjo Announcing today 9/11/17 at 5 PM Eastern Time

[HawkHusky]

How does Akinjo compare to the kid from New Haven who committed to LSU. Whos name escapes me.

Akinjo is a far superior decision-maker.

 

[HuskyBandDad]

Akinjo is a far superior decision-maker.

If he picks Uconn no doubt.

 

[UConnRock]

His age and potential. Adams on the other hand if he's healthy should probably be in a great position to go. There have been kids in the past leaving after one unimpressive year and getting drafted

Age is the determining factor. He will be 23 if he stays fro his sr. year. Being a 23 year old senior and being compared to 19-20 year olds is a big draft negative. His numbers last year given the injuries to Gilbert and Larrier were quite impressive (14.4 points, 6.1 assists, 4.3 rebounds). Any improvement and decrease in turnovers will move him well up the draft board.

 

[MSGSeven]

How does Akinjo compare to the kid from New Haven who committed to LSU. Whos name escapes me.

Both very good players. To me, Akinjo appears to be tougher and a better floor general/leader.

 

[UConnRock]

How does Akinjo compare to the kid from New Haven who committed to LSU. Whos name escapes me.

His dad is nicer.

 

[the Q]

How does Akinjo compare to the kid from New Haven who committed to LSU. Whos name escapes me.

Akinjo is better for one simple reason:

He actually wants to be here.

 

[GuardU]

I can't even imagine how this place would handle him committing to Cal

 

[80shusky]

For the inevitable "why hasn't he announced yet" post at 2pm, he's announcing at his high school in Richmond, CA, so it's going to be at 5pm ET.

Thanks, but it's coming anyway....

 

[Clockshop]

good read here:

North Richmond basketball prodigy gets surprise gift from city agency – East Bay Times

 

[jibsey]

An 11 at old says about Chris Paul "he's a floor general that makes everyone around him better". That's Bazz like.

 

[Kembacity]

good read here:

North Richmond basketball prodigy gets surprise gift from city agency – East Bay Times

Wow is all I can say, I had no idea we were talking about another Shabazz in this manner. I've got my Jonathan shirt on all day mojo

Should fans tweeting themselves geared out for an announcement at the kids' circle be a thing?

 

[InKembaITrust]

good read here:

North Richmond basketball prodigy gets surprise gift from city agency – East Bay Times

Love this. Assuming he signs with us later today we're getting a gritty well raised kid.

Sign em' up

 

[Dove]

Let's get some more tuna on this boat!!!!!!!

 

[UCDaveD]

FWIW

 

[Chief00]

Since Blaze nothing but wins.

 

[KembaStepback]

What are the thoughts? Do we feel good about 5pm? Not so good? Unsure?

 

[Huskyforlife]

What are the thoughts? Do we feel good about 5pm? Not so good? Unsure?

look up

 

[businesslawyer]

I am really trying not to be the wet blanket, but with the way the last 6 months have gone, that means he's probably going to Kentucky or LSU.

Try harder.

 

[CL82]

I can't even imagine how this place would handle him committing to Cal

 

[DonaldDraper]

An 11 at old says about Chris Paul "he's a floor general that makes everyone around him better". That's Bazz like.

His game looks a little Bazz-like as well. The video below from the Peach Jam is pretty good. He's not Kemba or AG quick, but he's got a good handle and enough shake and bake to find space for a shot. He doesn't look 6 ft tall so he's gonna need that floater coming down main street.

The one thing that stuck out in the video is that he is not afraid to shoot it from a couple of feet beyond the arc. During Shabazz's freshman year, I was shocked he had the manlihood to pull up 24ish footers early in the shot clock. Calhoun did not take kindly to a freshman hoisting those and I was impressed that Bazz had the stones to take the shot, knowing that he was going to ride the pine if it didn't fall.

Everyone is looking for a big splash/top 15ish kid, and I think putting together a good class helps create gravity for the top recruits to come our way. I hope Akinjo plays for UCONN and I hope he helps our plans for attracting more talent.

 

[businesslawyer]

Age is the determining factor. He will be 23 if he stays fro his sr. year. Being a 23 year old senior and being compared to 19-20 year olds is a big draft negative. His numbers last year given the injuries to Gilbert and Larrier were quite impressive (14.4 points, 6.1 assists, 4.3 rebounds). Any improvement and decrease in turnovers will move him well up the draft board.

Jalen had a great year at UConn, and has the desire and attitude, but he excelled as a combo guard who turned the ball over too much. In the NBA, he will have to be a pure point. He needs to show he can play point at the NCAA level without turning the rock over. I am not at all convinced he will be ready to be drafted at the end of this year. Hopefully, he plays like Jr. year Kemba and I'm dead wrong, but he has to show me.

 

[Tenspro2002]

Definitely has some Shabazz in his game.

We've played two small PGs together in Bazz and Boat, but it seems like Akinjo and Gilbert would take it to a whole other level. Is this a concern?

 

[DonaldDraper]

Definitely has some Shabazz in his game.

We've played two small PGs together in Bazz and Boat, but it seems like Akinjo and Gilbert would take it to a whole other level. Is this a concern?

Certainly is a concern, but as you pointed out it can work in the college game. They have to be able to play shut down defense on players 4-5 inches taller and not take possessions off. Just saying that makes me want to watch replays of Bazz and Boat shutting down Wilbekin and the Harrison twins tonight....

 

[StunningSteve]

LOVE THIS MANS GAME!!

He would fit the UCONN mold perfectly

 

[the Q]

Jalen had a great year at UConn, and has the desire and attitude, but he excelled as a combo guard who turned the ball over too much. In the NBA, he will have to be a pure point. He needs to show he can play point at the NCAA level without turning the rock over. I am not at all convinced he will be ready to be drafted at the end of this year. Hopefully, he plays like Jr. year Kemba and I'm dead wrong, but he has to show me.

Exactly. Plus, he's not the kind of athlete that a guy like Kemba was.