Blair Academy’s New Lineup After Akoldah Gak’s Decision

<p>Blair Academy has been one of the top teams in New Jersey over the past few seasons and they should be again in 2020-21. The Buccaneers are used to dealing with losing key players as 2019 Gatorade Player of the Year <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="766053" first="Jabri" last="Abdur-Rahim"]</strong> skipped most of the 2019-20 season. They will be without big man <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850503" first="Akoldah" last="Gak"]</strong> who signed to play with the Illowara Hawks in Australia. It’s a big loss, but Blair Academy has the talent to overcome the loss.</p> <p>Point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850502" first="Jaylen" last="Blakes"] </strong>returns to lead the show and should have a big senior season. The 6’1 guard has a good handle and is tough to contain off the bounce. Blakes is more than just a slasher as he can knock down jumpers from behind the arc. He is a good passer and is a leader on the floor. Blakes’ leadership will be vital for Blair Academy as the Buccaneers look to be one of the top teams in the Garden State.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850680" first="Lual" last="Manyang"] </strong>will be tasked with more responsibility down low as he will be the guy to replace Gak. The 6’10 forward has a nice touch around the basket and runs the floor hard. Manyang has a good release on his jumper, which could develop him into a solid stretch four at the next level. He uses his length and athleticism to swat shots around the rim and is one of the top shot-blockers in the 2022 class. Manyang is ready to burst onto the scene as he is given more touches down low with Gak’s departure.</p> <p>Morristown-Beard transfer <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1013065" first="Ian" last="Imegwu"] </strong>may be the biggest winner as he will be able to display his versatile offensive game. The 6’8 forward can handle the ball on the perimeter and finish around the rim. Imegwu has a nice release on his jumper and his range extends past the three-point line. He is an underrated rebounder and is one of the top shot-blockers in the 2023 class. Imegwu is a skilled stretch four who should make a big impact in his first season at Blair Academy.</p> <p>He is not the only transfer who could make an impact for the Buccaneers this season as <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850671" first="Otega" last="Oweh"] </strong>should be an immediate starter. The Rutgers Prep transfer is at his best attacking the basket in transition and loves to finish above the rim. Oweh can beat his defender off the bounce and knows how to draw contact around the basket. He is a good on-ball defender and uses his athleticism to rip down rebounds. Oweh is an athletic guard who should fit right at home in Blair Academy’s offense.</p> <p>Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850672" first="Kyle" last="Cuffee Jr."] </strong>returns in the backcourt and should be a highlight reel again this season. The 6’2 guard is one of the best athletes in the 2022 class and loves to finish above the rim. Cuffee Jr. has a quick first step, which he uses to blow by his defender. He is a strong on-ball defender and has the ability to knock down perimeter jumpers. Cuffee Jr. is the perfect compliment to Blakes as the duo is one of the top backcourts in the state.</p> <p>The loss of Gak is big, but the Buccaneers’ collection of talent will keep them among the Garden State’s best in 2020-21.</p>