How Does Akok Akok Fit at West Virginia?

Georgetown transfer Akok Akok committed to West Virginia on Friday night, giving the Mountaineers another big man to work with. How will Akok fit in with a team of many different paths and journeys?

Akok is a 6-foot-10 forward that can fill into the five-role if needed. West Virginia will most likely start Akok at the four with Quinn Slazinski and Patrick Suemnick helping out the depth down low.

Akok has graduated and is immediately eligible for the 2023-24 season with WVU, a source told WV Sports Now. There’s no waiver needed from the NCAA for this case. Akok essentially takes Omar Silverio’s spot, who had his waiver denied by the NCAA on Thursday.

Akok spent one season at Georgetown under Patrick Ewing, averaging 6.5 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.0 blocks over 31 games. He shot 46% from the field and 28% from three on 2.7 attempts per game and recorded three double-doubles last season against Coppin State, Villanova and Xavier. The Manchester, Nh. native had three games of five blocks or more.

Akok will bring a versatile play style to West Virginia for his final year of college eligibility. Akok will stretch the floor out and isn’t afraid to shoot the three. On defense, Akok will bring another rim presence to WVU along with Edwards. The pair combined for 149 blocks last season at their respective schools.

You’ll mostly see Akok on the perimeter or in the paint with little mid-range game. Akok can space well with Edwards but still show his presence without clogging the paint.

West Virginia’s new team consists of a lot of talent but an unknown of how everyone will fit together. The coaching staff brought in seven transfers and a 2023 prospect from Israel. Here’s the Mountaineers’ current roster: Akok Akok (F), Jeremiah Bembry (G), RaeQuan Battle (G), Jesse Edwards (C), Josiah Harris (F), Kobe Johnson (G), Kerr Kriisa (G), Ofri Naveh (F), Jose Perez (G), Quinn Slazinski (F), Patrick Suemnick (F) and Seth Wilson (G). West Virginia only returns four but the talent level from veteran players may help the chemistry click quicker.