The Big East got it right. James Akinjo rightfully hauled in the Big East Freshman of the Year Award for the 2018-19 season. Akinjo beat out fellow Hoyas Mac McClung and Josh LeBlanc along with Creighton guard Marcus Zegarowski. When it came down to it, James was the correct pick. Akinjo led the entire Big East in assists with 5.4 per game while pumping in 13.3 points per game (good for 17th in the Big East and 2nd among freshmen – behind Mac). James found himself second among freshmen and 7th overall with an assist-turnover ratio of 1.7. That’s remarkable given his early season struggles with turning the ball over.
Things were not always bright and sunny for James during his freshman season. James struggled with turnovers and shot selection early in the season. This all culminated with Akinjo calling off Ewing’s play call and getting stuffed at the rim back-to-back plays against Marquette at home. Pat benched James the subsequent game against Creighton, but Akinjo still struggled with shot selection. In those two games alone, James scored 14 points on 3-21 shooting from the field. Yikes.
But James’ toughness and work ethic took over from there. He broke out in the second half against Xavier at home, scoring 23 points on 60% shooting. James’ heroics propelled the Hoyas to their first winning streak in Big East Conference play this season. Obviously, James still experienced growing pains after this game, but it was this performance where he first showcased his alpha mentality and ability to take over a game against high-level competition.
James has had numerous memorable moments this season, but none more emphatic than attacking Quincy McKnight after he slapped the court in Georgetown’s 2OT victory over Seton Hall. In the clip below, James goes right after McKnight, scores against him, and gives him a little taste of his own medicine. This is just another example of Akinjo’s alpha mentality and fearlessness.
Akinjo’s freshman campaign came full circle when he went right after Markus Howard, the Big East Player of the Year, and outdueled him on senior night in Wisconsin to help the Hoyas clinch a first-round bye in the Big East Tournament. Every time Marquette tried to pull away, James answered with a big-time bucket. His leadership helped spark the Hoyas to a much-needed rebound win.
This is not to take away anything from Josh LeBlanc and Mac McClung. Both are incredibly talented players with high ceilings. Patrick Ewing struck gold with this trio and he deserves enormous credit for his recruiting and player development this season. This trio will get the opportunity to continue to send shockwaves across the nation by going out and upsetting the Seton Hall Pirates in the Quarter-finals of the Big East Tournament.
Congratulations James!
