Prospect Spotlight 2021 : Jao Ituka

Photo credits from MOCO Sentinel & Washington Post <span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 1.1em;"><strong>Jao Ituka</strong></span>, 6'2" G/F, 2021. Gaithersburg Trojans HS. 314 South Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD. 20877 Grassroots team : 1 Up Warriors This summer Jao exploded onto the HS basketball scene playing at the MD Elite Summer League, playing for Gaithersburg HS as an incoming freshmen.While Gaithersburg was awaiting to play. I chatted with Head Coach Jeff Holda about his team & he was very optimistic for the up coming season. We went over the prospective Trojan roster & team (see in link below) <strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/2017/08/gaithersburg-trojans-team-overview-college-prospects/">https://prephoops.com/2017/08/gaithersburg-trojans-team-overview-college-prospects/</a></strong> After we reviewed the returning players, Coach Holda mentioned Jao & said how special he is. Later as I watched Jao play for the 1st time & he stood out less than a minute into the game. He was very skilled, built like a D1 defensive back & super athletic. This past summer I watched Jao 2 more games & his basketball IQ & poise were amazing. He was off the charts skill-wise & before the season Jao was not well known outside Montgomery County. I did not want to write an Article for Jao until his season started since he was just 13. However, Jao is mature well beyond his years due his close-knit family. His older brother, Eyamba has made huge sacrifices which he takes takes in stride to mentor Jao & his 4 other younger siblings. From this past summer until Jao graduates HS he will have everyone in the book coming after him, from Grassroots teams, private schools, handlers, colleges, & whomever. Many of these scenarios could very easily distract Jao, but Eymba, his mom & dad, Coach Holda will screen them properly. Jao & his family came to the USA from Cameroon 7 years ago, & they struggled until recently. His parents worked very long & difficult hours. Eyamba had to decline on D2 soccer scholarship to watch over the family. In his early years in the US Joa liked focused on soccer until 3 years ago when he began to play basketball. Fortunately the Itukas now reside in a single family home in Gaithersburg, & life is a little easier. Eyamba is currently attending nearby Montgomery College Engineering & will transfer the he University of MD within a year majoring in Electrical Engineering, However, he is the only family member who really understands the American game of basketball. Eyamba attends all of Jao's games & keeps his strong eye out for his younger brother Jao. The next step is great one since Jao's mom & dad will soon be attending his games along with is brothers, sisters & other family members. This past week I saw Jao at the Walter Hardy Hoopfest at Paint Branch HS. The Trojans entered the tournament with a perfect 6-0 record, but faced host Pant Branch HS who is probably the best team in MOCO in their opener. The taller, longer & deeper Panthers were well prepared & wanted to pressure Jao. However, Joa used high IQ & did not force any bad shots playing a very solid overall game. Jao somehow managed to score 18 points, but none than louder then the 2 below: <iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/YEANPOkHZrQ" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> This season Jao is averaging over 18 ppg & close to 9 rebounds. He performs all the intangibles , gets steals & blocks. I chatted with Jao earlier this season & last week he said, "I want to win 1st & foremost. I am good leader & person. This season I can play & guard 5 positions, but Coach Holda plays me on the wing & as a CG. On defense I like to take the toughest assignment, but I do play team & help side defense. Rebounding is another strength & use my athleticism & strength. <img class="alignleft" src="https://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_1484w/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2017/11/27/Sports/Images/spituka3.jpg?uuid=W5jd_M8UEeeoe0fxS3MWKg" alt="" width="536" height="400" />On both sides of the ball I play very hard. I like to attack the rim, but I can score from outside. I train to play all 5 positions, because I know it will make a better player in the future. My main focuses are my family, academics, & basketball. I workout almost everyday. I am very lucky my older brother Eyamba is here to help me since my parents work so much for a better life for my family & preparing for the future. I am very close to my family & will be very excited when my mom & dad, brothers & sisters see my play this month. " When I scout Joa, it is hard to find a weakness. He does everything well, but Joa's next phase is beginning to occur. Teams know who he is & will be keying on him. However, Jao handled his games very well last week & facilitated nicely when he was doubled or collapsed upon. He is a very good ball handler & can beat full court pressure with a hesitation & go or straight blow byes.Additionally Jao can perform all the crossovers. Joa has already developed a Euro step, hop step, up and under & an array of creative moves at the rim. He can score from the mid range & the perimeter very well. Jao has a picture perfect jumper he can use to score on or off the dribble or from spot ups. His motor is high octane & he plays with great court vision & very high IQ. He trains very hard on all levels running sprints, stairs, performing, plyos & strength & conditioning. Jao clearly gets <strong>IT</strong> (the it factor) which coaches covet. Jao gets almost every the 50/50 ball, makes deflections, & energizes Gaithersburg with his motor, intensity & leadership. Jao is one the best freshmen in MD/DC this season & his passion for basketball is huge. He wants to improve each & every day & likes to study Kyrie Irving & LeBron James. This month I will be scouting Jao & Gaithersbrug several more times. He is so good the University of Maryland has invited Jao for an unofficial today vs Penn State. Without any hesitation Jao names his mom, dad & Eymaba as his role models. He is very appreciative for Coach Holda & the manner he is bringing him along, In the classroom Jao is doing very well understands his priorities very well. Prep Hoops is looking forward to covering Jao for the remainder of HS career & wish his family & Jao the best off & on the court. wihttp://www.hudl.com/v/28c2tK <a class="twitter-hashtag pretty-link js-nav" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/hudl?src=hash" data-query-source="hashtag_click"><s>#</s><b>hudl</b></a> <iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/rbl-AwvoqZk" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

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