Akinjo’s immediate eligibility is crucial for Arizona hoops
TUCSON, Ariz. (BVM) – Arizona head men’s basketball coach Archie Miller and the Wildcats’ newest addition received a big break on Tuesday.
The NCAA approved a waiver giving immediate eligibility to Arizona point guard James Akinjo, a transfer from Georgetown. The junior was not eligible to compete in games during the spring 2020 semester due to NCAA transfer rules, despite being able to practice with the Wildcats, but is now eligible for their first game. Akinjo will have two years of remaining eligibility when he takes the court for Arizona this season.
The Oakland, Calif., native quickly became one of the Big East’s premier players before his time at Georgetown ended abruptly last season.
Akinjo started all but one game as a freshman during the 2018-19 season and averaged 13.4 points per game (second on team) on his way to Big East Freshman of the Year honors and a Big East All-Freshman Team selection. After appearing in seven games last season for the Hoyas, averaging 13.4 points per game and tallying 31 assists, Akinjo transferred and committed to Arizona on Jan. 1.
Georgetown has lost more than 75% of its minutes and points production, including Akinjo, in the last nine months due to transfers and dismissals.
Akinjo had plenty of thanks to go around following the news of his granted eligibility.
“First, I want to thank God and my family along with Compliance for helping me with this long process,” Akinjo said in a Twitter video. “I want to thank my coaches and teammates for supporting me through this process. And finally, I want to thank the NCAA for giving me immediate eligibility for this season. I can’t wait to get out there with my teammates from the start. Bear Down!”
Akinjo’s clearance couldn’t have come at a better time after the Wildcats lost three freshmen (Nico Mannion, Josh Green and Zeke Nnaji) to NBA declarations and graduated four seniors. The added playmaking and shot creativity of Akinjo will be necessary if Arizona wants to find itself in the top-five of the Pac-12 again.
By the time the 2020-21 season rolls around, Akinjo could very well prove to be the Wildcats’ best player, a welcomed possibility for Miller.
“We are excited to have James eligible for our first game,” Miller said in an Arizona press release. “This is an opportunity that I know he is eager to take advantage of both on the court and in the classroom. He is an impact player and a fierce competitor, and his experience will be invaluable for us this year as we welcome so many young players to our program.”
Arizona finished 21-11 overall, 10-8 in Pac-12 play and tied for fifth in the conference with Colorado in 2019-20. College basketball’s official start date remains unknown, but reports indicate Nov. 25 as a viable option.
