NCAA Basketball: 5 impactful under-the-radar recruits for 2019-20

Akok Akok, PF, UConn

Akok graduated early and joined the UConn program following the fall semester, yet didn’t take the court for the Huskies. He’ll make his freshman debut with the rest of Dan Hurley’s quality recruiting class in November and everything points to it being a smashing success for the versatile 6-10 forward.

In one of his first practices with the team in January, Hurley indicated what we can expect see from Akok.

"“He hit a three then he spooked a couple guys in front of the rim when they drove it so those are good things to see, a four man that can make a three and a four man that can change shots at the rim.”"

Those two skills – plus a few others – are exactly why I think Akok is going to have the kind of season that blows people away despite being just the No. 85 overall prospect in the country.

He has that rare combination of size, skill, and athleticism that all special college players have. On defense, Akok can block shots inside and switch out on opposing guards on the perimeter. On offense, he can shoot over smaller defenders (which is most of them) or drive around bigger players – yeah, he can handle the ball, too.

Like most freshmen, Akok needs to add strength, but that process has already started in his time with the Huskies. And, considering he already got a head start on his college career, he’ll be more ready than most freshmen to make a huge impact right away.