Michael Akuchie: Prospect Update
December 3, 2015 One of the state’s more intriguing prospects, St. Thomas Aquinas’ 6-foot-8 wing Michael Akuchie is starting to see his Division I interest ramp up of late. The versatile junior has been working to develop as a guard…
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Continue ReadingDecember 3, 2015
One of the state’s more intriguing prospects, St. Thomas Aquinas’ 6-foot-8 wing Michael Akuchie is starting to see his Division I interest ramp up of late.
The versatile junior has been working to develop as a guard of recently, and with his great-sized frame, could become one of the state’s hottest prospects soon.
“I’ve seen letters from Florida Gulf Coast and University of South Florida. In October I took an unofficial to Cornell. Bowling Green, and FIU are interested. And during the summer I went to a camp at Stanford, and I’ve heard from a bunch of Ivy League schools too,” said the talented 2017.
“I’d probably have to say Cornell and Florida Gulf coast would be the two who are most interested right now.”
At 6-foot-8, Akuchie is trying to establish himself as one of the state’s most versatile wings, he described his current playing style to PHF.
“I think my strengths are I can really shoot the ball, I pull it from deep, and if you want to close out on me I’ll take a few dribbles and take the pull-up, or attack the basket. I love finishing above the rim in transition, I’m a great rebounder, and I get after it on defense,” said Akuchie.
“I think I really need to do a better job at creating my own shot. Not so much ball-handling, but just having a little more shake with the ball to create better. And I need to see my teammates better, and set them up better.”
He added: “I really want to make myself a mismatch problem. I’ve always been a center my whole life, and I want to make myself versatile – a guy that can play the two, three, or four.”
His junior season with the Raiders is now underway, it’s his second season starting with the varsity.
“For my team I play the three,” said Akuchie. “Usually I’m kind of asked to do everything; rebound, play defense, and be a consistent scorer for my team.”