Seems like the biggest difference is that we really needed Akok his freshman year. He was playing big minutes no matter how he was playing and that gave him the opportunities and confidence to make big impacts. Now that we've brought in more talented players, he doesn't get the luxury of playing 12-15 minutes a half and working through his mistakes.
I also believe that his current game is too similar to Whaley at the moment but probably a little less refined. They're both athletic and quick enough to guard stretch 4s but can be overmatched versus bigger centers. Neither are great scorers in the post but are active on the offensive glass, and both have a big-time ability to alter and block shots on the defensive side. Where do you find minutes for Akok when Hurley is calling Whaley our most important player? Without Whaley's energy, we look like a different team.