Ben Akoro Scouting and Recruiting Update

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Class of 2026 small forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1501486' first='Ben' last='Akoro']</strong> was the reason we wanted to check out O'Fallon's open gym on the last day earlier this week.&nbsp; In a very strong year for wings Akoro is right there among the top group.&nbsp; The state's #6 overall junior prospect is coming off an injury and is getting back in the flow of action.&nbsp; He is still working his way back, but we saw a lot of the tools that make him a no doubt mid-major prospect.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The size at 6'7” with his ability to handle with ease is so impressive.&nbsp; Can take it off the glass and push with ease.&nbsp; Showed he could score from all three levels in the open gym setting.&nbsp; Was a bit streaky from beyond the arc, but did connect on a couple showing very pure mechanics off the catch.&nbsp; He is at his best when working in the mid-range.&nbsp; That is where he excels the most being able to use his handle, size, elevation, and feathery touch to rise up over defenders pouring in one after another on pull ups along with turnarounds.&nbsp; Good at using fakes to create space and keep the defense off balance.&nbsp; Off the bounce he had several sweeping layups taking it from one wing across the paint and finishing at the rack on the other side.&nbsp; Displayed burst on an up and under move and ran the floor well for scores.&nbsp; Cut well to the ball for a seal posting up a smaller defender.&nbsp; Still getting his explosiveness back from his injury and will need to continue to add strength to convert better through contact at the rim.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>His best attribute might be his passing for his size.&nbsp; He is a legit point-forward that you can run your offense through because of his playmaking feel finding teammates in the half court and is already becoming a vocal leader of his team.&nbsp; Innate ability to see plays that a lot of young wings cannot.&nbsp; Was solid competing on the glass throughout the day and we thought he showed some upside as a defender moving his feet staying in front of his man.&nbsp; Mid-major prospect right now that has a ceiling that could go higher!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We talked about how he is coming back from his injury.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“The injury was a bone collision.&nbsp; I banged knees with this guy that weighed 80 more pounds than me.&nbsp; The impact broke some of the honeycombs on the inner part of the bone.&nbsp; After that I got jumpers knee which is very common.&nbsp; I have been in rehab for 5 weeks.&nbsp; It has helped a lot.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After transferring from Principia he has been able to get adjusted to his new teammates over the summer and in the limited open gyms he has been able to play in.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“It has been going good.&nbsp; Coach has given me a lot of freedom allowing me to push it and play my role like a point-forward.&nbsp; Getting boards, setting people up, and shooting.&nbsp; Really having me play with 100% effort and freedom to do whatever.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What is he focusing in on as he heads into his junior campaign?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“More consistent three point shot.&nbsp; Still making more difficult mid-range shots.&nbsp; Setting my teammates up.&nbsp; Defensively taking a step up.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Akoro updated us on his recruitment.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“Being out this fall I missed a lot of schools wanting to come to open gym.&nbsp; I am still in contact and are trying to come now that I am back healthy.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Schools showing interest include Eastern Illinois, Southern Illinois, Evansville, Miami (OH), and a few more.&nbsp; Expect that list to continue to grow as the season goes along!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->