Feb 11, 2017; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats head coach Sean Miller signals during the first half against the California Golden Bears at McKale Center. Arizona won 62-57. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

In Defense of Arizona’s Sean Miller Pac-12 Coach of the Year: Why GoJoeBruin Is Wrong

In Defense of Arizona’s Sean Miller Pac-12 Coach of the Year: Why GoJoeBruin Is Wrong by Zachary Benz

On Thursday, the Arizona Wildcats basketball team received a big-time commitment from a five-star wing, Emmanuel Akot in the class of 2018.

Still, in his junior year of high school and with a recruitment that has absolutely exploded over the past few months, highly touted wing, Emmanuel Akot decided to shut his recruitment down.

Arizona Basketball’s recruiting prowess (thanks in large part to Sean Miller), is still very strong. The Wildcats are already developing their recruiting class that won’t technically step onto the McKale hardwood until the 2018-19 season.

Akot, a Canadian native, recently decided to move to the United States, to continue his basketball career. Now a junior at Wasatch Academy in Mount Pleasant, UT, he has steadily been climbing the recruiting ranks, establishing himself as one of the premier players in his respective class.

Garnering offers from Arizona, Louisville, Oregon, and Utah among others, Akot felt it was finally time to make his selection and focus on basketball.

As we had written early, a decision was likely coming soon, and Akot had announced on social media yesterday, that he would be making his commitment today (Thursday).

Announcing my commitment tomorrow!! — Emman (@emman_akot) March 8, 2017

Well, Thursday afternoon came, and Akot gave Wildcats fans, even more, to cheer about as he picked Arizona over Utah. He is the first commitment for the class of 2018, and a five-star, highly recruited player who can attract more talent for the class.

Akot comes in with a lot of upside. We also highlighted in the previous article, some of his strengths according to his Draft Express profile.

Unlimited energy. Plays with a very high intensity level on both ends of the floor. Tough, no-nonsense demeanor that coaches will love

Multi-positional defender that showed the ability to guard anywhere from 1-4 at this camp. Relishes the challenge of stopping the opposing team’s best player

Very good athlete. Good combination of quickness and power, although not incredibly explosive

Certainly, great qualities to have in a player if you’re Sean Miller, and Akot’s presence will surely be felt once he dons the Arizona red and blue.

Again, here are some more highlights to watch of Akot:

At Zona Zealots, we can’t wait to see Emmanuel play for Arizona! We are happy for him in his commitment. Bear Down, Arizona and welcome to the Wildcat Family, Emmanuel!