Paul jumped up 19 spots in the update and has the potential to move up even higher. The 6’9 post uses his length to swat shots around the rim and works hard on the offensive glass. Paul runs the floor hard, setting himself up for easy baskets in transition. He is gaining more confidence on the offensive end and can get position in the paint. Paul’s ability to control the paint at both ends of the floor is something that will help his stock in a big way this season.

A big who’s lengthy frame immediately stands out, Akeem Paul Akeem Paul 6'9" | C Shabazz | 2027 State NJ is another welcoming addition to this Shabazz group who projects to provide valuable size and interior activity in the frontcourt. Paul demonstrated that his greatest impact will always stem from when he plays with constant effort and energy, on both ends of the floor in the paint— particularly converting on looks in the dunker spot created from penetrating guards, extending possessions through his rebounding and finishing on the offensive glass, running the floor hard in transition for explosive finishes, and even providing some impact as a rim protector on the defensive end of the floor.

Akeem Paul Akeem Paul 6'9" | C Shabazz | 2027 State NJ is a lengthy and wiry big man with hints of fluidity and mobility at his size and position who often times plays with infectious energy and a relentless motor. Paul pairs his physical tools and nonstop work rate to provide plenty of impact on the interior— thriving as a finisher around the basket, particularly in the dunker spot and short corner area as well as a roller in different PnR action(s) to convert on a number of strong, soft touch layups through contact and several athletic above the rim finishes. All while letting his impact be felt in the rebounding category, on both the offensive and defensive glass.

A lengthy and high energy big who impacts the game through constant activity on both ends of the floor, Akeem Paul Akeem Paul 6'9" | C Shabazz | 2027 State NJ ‘s junior season saw him match the intrigue that surrounds his skillset with true on court production. More polished defensively, where he excels with well timed shot blocking, strong rebounding, and the ability to disrupt passing lanes thanks to his mobility and fluid movement for his size, Paul continued his assertion on that end of the floor showing more consistent flashes of being a defensive anchor for this Payne Tech group. On the offensive end, while still a work in progress, that’s where Paul’s skillset probably saw the most growth— showing an increased comfort in putting the ball on the floor and attacking driving angles while continuing to become more proficient around the basket as a finisher, running the floor in transition, being efficient in the dunker spot, and capitalizing on second chance opportunities on the offensive glass. A big with the intriguing physical tools, Paul’s development will definitely be interesting to track over the coming months going forward.

Akeem Paul Akeem Paul 6'9" | C Shabazz | 2027 State NJ is a long and energetic forward who makes his mark off activity on both the offensive and defensive sides of the floor. A little more advanced on the defensive end of the floor, Paul showcased his ability to hang his hat on timely shot blocking, strong rebounding, and disrupting passing lanes with his fluidity and mobility at his size. Offensively, although still developing, Paul was extremely active on the offensive glass, particularly generating second chance opportunities for his Payne Tech squa

At 6-7, Paul is a long, energetic forward who impacts the game defensively through shot-blocking, rebounding, and intercepting passes. While his offensive game is still developing, his defensive instincts and relentless motor already make him a key contributor.

Akeem Paul Akeem Paul 6'9" | C Shabazz | 2027 State NJ showcased a lot his ability as an interior paint presence on the defensive side of the floor, finishing the game with 11 rebounds and 2 blocks. Paul was able to use his size and length to his advantage to grab boards on the offensive and defensive glass as well as protect the rim for Payne Tech’s defense.