Baylor basketball lands Arizona transfer James Akinjo

According to Jeff Goodman of Stadium, Baylor men’s basketball has landed a commmitment from Arizona transfer James Akinjo.

The 6-foot-1, 185-pound guard averaged 15.6 points, 5.4 assists, 2.3 rebounds and 1.4 steals while shooting 40.8 from three in the 2020-2021 season on his way to earning First Team All-PAC 12 honors.

Akinjo’s efficiency numbers were good according to Kenpom.com as a junior at Arizona.  He had a 110.2 offensive  efficiency rating and was top 50 nationally in assist rate.  He’s also an 82% free throw shooter.  He attempted five free throws per game at Arizona. Compared that to Jared Butler who led the Bears with three free throw attempts per contest.  

Akinjo started his basketball career at Georgetown where he was the Big East freshman of the Year after averaging 13.4 points per game and 5.0 assists.  He’s been described as a tough minded guard who can score, defend and facilitate.  

With a waiver or graduation this summer, Akinjo is expected to be able to play right away for Baylor.  He used his one-time transfer to Arizona but with Arizona firing Sean Miller, his case for a waiver should be a strong one.  

Prior to leading the Wildcats in scoring last season, Akinjo spent two seasons at Georgetown where he averaged 13.4 points as a freshman in 33 games and 13.4 points per game as a sophomore in just seven games.

The career 38% three-point shooter has averaged a 2.0 assist to turnover ratio in his three-year college career with his 345 career assists.