Based on his video, it looks like he averages about 23 blocks per game (though I fear that the way he reaches over to block shots might not be quite as effective in college, and just might put him on the bench with a couple of fouls very quickly).
I always take these videos with a grain of salt, because so much of one's perception depends on the quality of competition. Even an Average Joe can look like Michael Jordan against the right bunch of stooges.
I can't help but wonder how good this kid is going to be. Big men who are raw, but have potential, usually get a lot of looks. Very few slip between the cracks in this day and age. But I haven't seen any information about other schools who were recruiting Lakoju. I can't help but hesitate a bit when there is such a dearth of information. Hopefully Sydney found a hidden gem here, but I don't think there is any guarantee that is the case.
I'm not sure it is a very good comparison to Deng Gai. If I recall correctly, Gai was a top 50-100 recruit with many big time suitors. He had an immediate impact even though he wasn't very polished. I don't get the sense that Lakoju has the same credentials. I hope I'm wrong.
Lakoju is the kind of recruit that mid-majors get, hoping that they strike it rich when the player develops into an all league performer. Unless he has a brother/cousin on the team, a 6'9" 250 lb. center doesn't usually end up at Fairfield, if he isn't a project of some kind. He'd be at UCONN or St. John's or Seton Hall. Here's hoping that the Stags have struck gold.
Last Edit: Dec 5, 2013 20:06:43 GMT -5 by HawkStag
I'm not sure it is a very good comparison to Deng Gai.
I kind of agree. Comparisons to the Gai situation are not the best. Gai was actively recruited by many schools. This guy does seem to be a bit under the radar.
I like what I can see but as we know these highlight films only show the best plays. He's clearly a load and no one at his current level can handle him. It will be interesting to see how his skills translate to the D1 level. He can create space and get off his shot in traffic, two real positives. We don't really have this kind of a player now. I look at his game and I think Shannon Bowman and if he can give us some of the things we got from Bowman he will prove to be a rare find. That by the way is a big IF Bowman was a rare talent, with a rare combination of skills. 1) Highly efficent shooter, 2) ability to score, draw the foul and make his foul shots 3) good basketball IQ, 4) solid rebounder, 5) good passer. The highlight video demonstrated all of those skills for the little this video's are worth.
I'm always curious to know if anyone has seen him live. These observations always mean more to me than video.
Last Edit: Dec 5, 2013 20:11:37 GMT -5 by reindeerfan
I'm not sure it is a very good comparison to Deng Gai. If I recall correctly, Gai was a top 50-100 recruit with many big time suitors. He had an immediate impact even though he wasn't very polished. I don't get the sense that Lakoju has the same credentials. I hope I'm wrong.
Gai certainly was a much more highly rated recruit, and I don't think anyone is saying Lakoju is at that level. But like Gai and AJ, Lakoju has tremendous potential. And Yes, he is a true sleeper.... no AAU or camps this summer, just the Stamford summer league.... a class C prep school in New Canaan. Lower Division public HS in NYC. NERR is a very respected recruiting site. They actually see the players and talk to them and coaches. But I would agree with Hawk....Lakoju is the kind of recruit that mid-majors get, hoping that they strike it rich when the player develops into an all league performer
Tyler Nelson has come off and he is shooting around. Here is a quote from his coach about him playing PG or 2G. I hope it is PG, so he improves his Ballhandling.
"If he [Nelson] were to play point, I think it would wear him down," Nault said. "Teams are going to be keying on him so much. I’m sure at times late in the game, he’s going to want the ball in his hands and to be making decisions with it. But to start the season, having him come off the ball and having him come off screens and running some plays for him, I think is where we can best utilize him."
Does anyone know when the local high school season begins? Prep plays St Amthony of New Jersey on Saturday. Fairfield U. prospect Quimcy McNight left St. Joaeph's of Trumbull to prep for two years. Fairfield Prep and Bridgeport Central should be very good. Central has a point guard we may want to take a look at, Tyler Ancrum.
Does anyone know when the local high school season begins? Prep plays St Amthony of New Jersey on Saturday. Fairfield U. prospect Quimcy McNight left St. Joaeph's of Trumbull to prep for two years. Fairfield Prep and Bridgeport Central should be very good. Central has a point guard we may want to take a look at, Tyler Ancrum.
Some Cnnecticut teams have their first games scheduled for today.
Does anyone know when the local high school season begins? Prep plays St Amthony of New Jersey on Saturday. Fairfield U. prospect Quimcy McNight left St. Joaeph's of Trumbull to prep for two years. Fairfield Prep and Bridgeport Central should be very good. Central has a point guard we may want to take a look at, Tyler Ancrum.
Some Cnnecticut teams have their first games scheduled for today.
First official CIAC games start next Wednesdy, Dec. 18th (the girls started this week). However Ami and St. Lukes I'm quite sure have already played a game or two.
Ami Lakoju scored 5 points in his first game in a blowout. No more details Twitter
Very promising news on Degnan. He looks like our Barrow replacement. Disapointing on Segura. His stats just dropped after game 3.... points and assists. I don't have the mpg stat, so I don't know if he is not getting the minutes due to poor performance or health, or has his role on the team changed from #1 option to #5.
Last Edit: Dec 13, 2013 15:09:32 GMT -5 by JoeStag
Degnan is a beast. He should be an immediate impact player, a Rossiter type.
79, hope you're right! We could certainly use some positive karma at the moment. But have you seen him play or are you just making this statement based on what you (and the rest of us) have read?
I've seen Degnan play many times. IMO, had he not committed, he would have gone a lot higher. He runs the floor well for a player his size, can score with his back to the basket, and hits threes. Anyone currently on Fairfield's roster that can do that consistently?