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Arizona Basketball: James Akinjo is immediately eligible for 2020-21

By Eric Townsend

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 22: James Akinjo #3 of the Georgetown Hoyas makes a pass to a teammate during the first half of their game against the Duke Blue Devils at Madison Square Garden on November 22, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 22: James Akinjo #3 of the Georgetown Hoyas makes a pass to a teammate during the first half of their game against the Duke Blue Devils at Madison Square Garden on November 22, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /
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With the Arizona Basketball program awaiting the fait of incoming transfer James Akinjo, we found out he is immediately eligible for 2020-21!

With 2020 absolutely being the worst year for just about everyone, how about some good news for Arizona Basketball and James Akinjo this off-season?

We’ve been patiently waiting, waiting to learn the fate of incoming transfer James Akinjo, the former standout guard from Georgetown.

Arizona Wildcats
Arizona Wildcats /

Arizona Wildcats

Well, on Tuesday afternoon that good news finally came as Akinjo was ruled eligible for the 2020-21 season, whenever that may be.

Now granted, James transferred to Arizona awhile ago, however, we’ve been waiting to hear the NCAA’s response regarding his eligibility. Even with a fall tip-off in doubt, nonetheless, when Arizona does tip-off this season, he will be ready and available.

This is clearly a victory for Arizona, and Arizona Basketball fans should be delighted, especially given the recent string of bad events.

For Akinjo, he is a savvy, veteran guard, that is going to be a key piece to Arizona’s success this season, and seeing him immediately eligible instantly makes the Wildcats’ backcourt better.

He’s a scoring-minded, crafty, high IQ guard with good play making ability and great tenacity. All qualities head coach Sean Miller loves to see in a player, and when I watch James, I get Mark Lyons vibes.

The two play a bit similarly, however, I would consider James as more of a true point guard. He can score, he can facilitate and he can defend rather well.

With Kerr Kriisa joining the fold, along with combo guards Dalen Terry and Jemarl Baker, I think this Wildcat backcourt could be better than anticipated or advertised. I think this is a very solid group that is going to surprise some folks, and it all starts with James. Having him immediately eligible is a big win for the Wildcats.

If you need a reminder of just how good he can be, look at what he did against Duke last year, where James finished the game with 19 points on 7-18 shooting (2-7 from three) with six assists and three rebounds.

More. On Arizona Basketball. light

At Zona Zealots, we are excited to see James eligible and can’t wait to see the Wildcats back in action! As always, Bear Down, Arizona!

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