Prospect Spotlight: Ajak Arok (2019)
Photo Credit: Mike Adams, www.glossysportsphotos.com
Murray 6-foot-2 guard Ajak Arok is establishing himself as one of Utah’s best 2019 prospects, and will have a big year ahead of him for recruitment.
We recently caught up with Arok — Utah’s 37th-ranked 2019 — and he explained his skill-set, strength and weaknesses.
“My skill-set is I’m a slasher, I like to take it to the basket, get fouled and create contact. I like to beat my competitors with speed, I get layups, I don’t really shoot 3s. I like to pull-up every once in a while, when the defender isn’t expecting it,” said Arok.
“I need to really improve on my 3s, without that it gives my defenders a better chance to guard me. And I’m a bit undersized, I need to get bigger and stronger to compete at the next level.”
This season with the Spartans, Arok is averaging 15 points, four rebounds and two assists per game. His role has expanded into more of a leadership one.
“This year, I’m one of the main guys, I’m the go-to; if we need a basketball, they give me the ball. And I’m a team captain, so I’m making sure we’re talking, running the plays right. I’m trying to be a leader for my team so that we can make it to the playoffs,” said Arok.
“I trust my team, I trust what we can do. We’re getting better every game, and I’m happy to see progress.”
As for his recruitment, it’s been slow up until now. But that could change dramatically as 2018 wears on.
“So far, I haven’t really been recruited by anyone, no calls or anything. But, I’m planning on going back to (Utah Basketball Club) and try and get some recruitment this summer and spring,” said Arok.
“I’m really hoping for anything right now, a JuCo would be fine with me. I’d be OK going to a school in Oregon and Washington, and a two year school like that would be great, just to develop my game. And hopefully I could go to a four-year school later on.”