Baylor Basketball: Examining the impact of landing Arizona G James Akinjo

Defense

While standing at 6’1, Akinjjo can hold his own on the defensive end. It became a main stable to Baylor last year, as they finished giving up 65.5 points per game, including giving more than 70 just once in the NCAA Tournament.

Akinjo can hold of the ball, averaging over 1.3 steals per game throughout his career, while ranking inside the top 20 in the Big East and Pac 12 in that category.

One of the more interesting aspects of Akinjo’s game I’m interested to see is how well he plays in the Big 12. While the Pac-12 and Big East are power conferences, the Big 12 has been the toughest, six out of the previous seven seasons.

Five different teams have made Elite Eight appearances in the previous four tournaments and consistently provide some of the most intriguing and talented teams in the country. Playing against the likes of Kansas, Texas Tech, West Virginia, Texas, Oklahoma State twice is going to be a gauntlet.

While also, having normally difficult non-conference games. The only ones confirmed are a re-match with Gonzaga and playing in the Battle 4 Atlantis. That tournament is headlined by Auburn, Arizona State, Michigan State, and Syracuse.

While Akinjo is familiar with tough competition, playing a gritty opponent twice a week will be a new challenge.

How well he defends will be crucial in Baylor’s success and has been a huge strength for the Bears the previous two seasons. Akinjo’s quickness should help that cause.