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Western Kentucky Basketball: Hilltoppers get surprise pickup in Emmanuel Akot

By Tristan Freeman

Mar 17, 2022; Portland, OR, USA; Boise State Broncos guard Emmanuel Akot (14) dunks against the Memphis Tigers in the second half during the first round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2022; Portland, OR, USA; Boise State Broncos guard Emmanuel Akot (14) dunks against the Memphis Tigers in the second half during the first round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports /
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In a surprise turnaround, transfer guard Emmanuel Akot went from being a Memphis commit to now a part of Western Kentucky Basketball.

It’s been a whirlwind past couple of weeks for Western Kentucky Basketball. They lost former top-50 prospect, Zion Harmon, to the transfer portal, and also missed out on landing Florida transfer Keyontae Johnson to Kansa State. But they were suddenly able to land an impact player from the portal in Emmanuel Akot.

Akot had originally committed to the Memphis Tigers a month ago after leaving Boise State and entering the portal. The 5th-year guard averaged 10.6 ppg, 3.1 rpg, and 2.8 apg last season while shooting 40% from the field and 39% from three-point range. The 6’8 guard is a solid scorer and playmaker and uses his size to be a good defender on the perimeter.

Akot was supposed to be an impact player for Penny Hardaway and Memphis but instead, he’ll be going to Rick Stansbury and Western Kentucky. He’s the fourth D-I transfer for the Hilltoppers, joining guard Jordan Rawls and former top-40 recruits Kristian Lander and Dontaie Allen. Akot joins a talented backcourt, led by returning leading scorer and passer Dayvion McKnight (16.2 ppg and 5.5 apg).

With 7’5 center and elite shot-blocker Jamarion Sharp anchoring the frontcourt and double-digit scoring forward Jairus Hamilton back as well, the Hilltoppers have a ton of talent and potential if the transfers can have an impact. Akot can slide in the middle on the wings and improve the defense and can also run the offense whenever McKnight takes a break on the bench.

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Throughout the offseason, it was viewed that UAB and returning Conference USA Player of the Year Jordan Walker were the favorites to win the league this upcoming season. But based on what Western Kentucky has done and now with Emmanuel Akot in the mix, it may not be a done deal in the Conference USA hierarchy.