For me, I look at the fact that he was a 4-star coming out of HS, that he can contribute right away, and be a supporting member of the team. That's about all we can ask for at this point in the recruiting calendar.

It's not lost on me that if Houston was recruiting him then he likely has the kind of ability we could use.  

Long Suffering Fan wrote:

Someone help me understand this.  He played 15 minutes over the course of the entire last season and didn’t score a single field goal.  I understand he may be a shot blocker/rim protector that we badly need, but he received “walk on” minutes.   Not even sure how you scout a player like this.  What am I missing?

He’s definitely an unknown. He was behind multiple NBA players on the depth chart in 21-22 after getting consistent minutes in the COVID year. Not sure what happened last season.

Instead of thinking he’ll come in and be a force, ideally we just needed someone who can at least match what we got from Noel Brown. I think Stretch can do that (he looks like his footwork is better than Noel’s) while hopefully avoiding the dumb fouls/turnovers.

As we all know we were in the running for some more highly touted bigs so at this point in the summer I think we should be happy we got someone with an SEC pedigree. Not for nothing but he stayed 4 years at Auburn when most would’ve transferred out already. Shows he’s a loyal guy.

Last edited by GW0509 (6/17/2023 3:38 pm)

Very happy with the commit and I agree that getting a real rim protector (sounds like that's what he's best at) is a huge asset for us. If he can provide some rebounding and the occasional post move I'm good with that.

Worst case, he's another big body inside (one that we didn't have before this commit) and it's a one year deal.

? Hard to judge someone who hasn't played much at all. Just strange.

GW Rising: You did get this one right. Congrats. You and others have hardly been right, however, 99% of the time. I still think it preferable to wait until a recruit or transfer commits instead of raising our hopes only to have them dashed much more often then not--particularly in the face of all this NIL money that larger programs have to throw around.

Agree..this is fun!  We've had to watch the coaching and player carousel since 2016.  Last season it was a pleasure to see coaches and players develop. Absolutely believe that if EJ Clark didn't get hurt, we would've won 20 games.  This coaching staff has the right stuff and it shows.  There are so many new pieces to this roster puzzle (heck they didn't even have enough players for a practice squad last year) that adding a 6'10'' player who can run the floor is a no brainer.  Combine that with a fascinating mix of talented guards and wings...can't wait to see what develops.

moneybox wrote:

GW Rising: You did get this one right. Congrats. You and others have hardly been right, however, 99% of the time. I still think it preferable to wait until a recruit or transfer commits instead of raising our hopes only to have them dashed much more often then not--particularly in the face of all this NIL money that larger programs have to throw around.

I get every one right lol. There is a simple reason for that. My source is infallible. If I post it here, it will happen. The reason I say 99% is because there is the very rare chance that something crazy happens. Go back and check my record. Don't conflate me with other posters who may be making guesses. My posts aren't guesses.

Last edited by GWRising (6/18/2023 7:42 pm)

@GWRising, any updates on our international big Freshman recruit? 

On a separate note, I don't know how anyone could have an adverse opinion on Akingbola. For whatever it is worth, he was the leading shot blocker in EYBL coming out of high school. Sometimes you just have to trust that CC and staff has evaluated and determined that he's a good fit for us. Plenty of sleepers out there who just need an opportunity. It's not like he was mired on the bench for a NEC team.  

Last edited by GWRising (6/19/2023 10:53 am)

David Korn
@david_korn4
·
24m
Incoming grad transfer Babatunde Akingbola is working with the NCAA to try and have his senior year at Auburn count as a redshirt because he was dealing with an injury, he tells me. 

If successful, Akingbola will have two years of eligibility at GW.