Arizona Basketball: Wildcats land a huge transfer for next season, James Akinjo

Arizona Basketball received some exciting news early this morning with transfer James Akinjo committing to Arizona.

What a great way to bring in the new year than this. Former Big East Freshman of the Year from Georgetown, James Akinjo, announcing on social media in the early morning hours he has committed to Arizona Basketball. After making the visit last month to Arizona, apparently he liked what he had seen and is now a Wildcat. Those who were losing faith in Sean Miller’s recruiting abilities, now you gotta believe, right?

Due to transfer rules, he won’t be eligible until the second semester of next season. By then, it will probably be the beginning of the Pac-12 season, a perfect time for the Wildcats to have someone like Akinjo on the court. Even though he won’t be eligible to play right away, his commitment to Arizona knowing this indicates his passion and how much he wants to be a Wildcat.

At Georgetown, he was the starting point guard his freshman year and won freshman of the year in the Big East. Akinjo’s second season with them, he played in seven games (started in all of them) and was averaging 13.4 points, 4.4 assists and 3.0 rebounds per game. He only had 2.3 turnovers per game and was playing about 30.7 minutes per game.

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Akinjo did score in double figures in 6 of 7 games played, including 19 points, six assists, four steals, and three rebounds against Duke back in November. Watching him play, he is a solid point guard and has everything a coach would want in someone running the offense.

Depending on how next season plays out, Akinjo may be asked to be the starting point guard or play alongside Brandon Williams (if he returns, which we all hope he does), when he is eligible to play. Also, keep in mind too there are other 2020-21 Wildcat targets that would impact his role on the team.

Knowing Miller though, would not be surprised if he has Akinjo play a major role on this team next season. He can do it all at the one position and someone who is very confident in his abilities. His stats back that up. Plus, his experience playing against top competition in the Big East makes him that much more valuable to the team.

Excellent ball handles, able to create his own shot when needed, can easily step back and knock down the long ball and can drop dimes with the best of them.

At Zona Zealots, we are excited to have James Akino be part of the Arizona Basketball family. He is a very special player and Wildcat fans are going to have many reasons to be excited to watch him play. We can’t wait! As always, Bear Down, Arizona!