Following the graduations of two of the top three scorers, and the transfer of the other leader from last year, Akines should have ample opportunity with the ball in his hands this season, an area in which he thrives. He handles the ball really well, is a gifted passer, and has excellent footwork and the ability to absorb contact and finish around the rim. He’s a tough lead guard who plays through contact and he can defend on the ball at a high level.

Derrick Akines Derrick Akines 6'2" | PG Waterloo West | 2027 State IA did it all at the Prep Hoops Iowa Expo. For starters, he was insanely efficient on a flurry of step-back threes. His touch from outside can only be described as delicate. This allowed him to be a walking paint touch with how defenders would fly out at him. He was elite at exploding out of spin moves into tough layups and floaters, and his mid-range scoring stood out as well. His lob passing and finesse with the ball in his hands made him a great primary initiator in the games that I watched. Deceleration was another key aspect of his game. He could stop and start on a dime, which made him very difficult for defenders to stay in front of. And on the defensive end, he got a haul of steals throughout the expo, attacking ball handlers and forcing turnovers with his quick hands. Derrick Akines Derrick Akines 6'2" | PG Waterloo West | 2027 State IA was always making an impact, no matter where he was on the court.

Akines is one of the most talented guards in the 2027 class, a skilled ball-handler and shot creator who can score from all three levels. He has great body control around the rim and finishes with either hand, and he has really improved as a shooter over the last year, especially from 3-point range.

Akines is a strong, physical guard who does a great job playing at his pace, dictating the tempo for the rest of the players around him and never getting sped up. He plays under control, has fantastic vision, and is a great ball-handler who creates shots for himself and his teammates off the bounce at a high level. He shot it extremely well from behind the arc throughout the day, getting to his shot in a variety of different ways and knocking down shots both off the dribble and the catch. He finishes through contact with either hand, and is a solid on-ball defender.