ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ declined to comment late Monday on a report that sophomore forward Emmanuel Akot has quit the Wildcats and will transfer next season.
Akot could not be reached for comment. His high school coach, Curtis Condie, said Monday that he didn’t know if Akot was leaving. Akot would be the second Wildcat to leave the program this season. Belgian freshman Omar Thielemans left the team in October, and has since enrolled at Wright State.Ìý
Akot could play at another school next season, after the fall semester ends, if he were to leave the UA immediately and enroll somewhere else. However, said Akot plans to finish out this semester at ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ and transfer afterward. That would leave Akot with two full seasons of college eligibility remaining, but he’d have to sit out all of the 2019-20 season as a transfer.
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Arriving in 2017 from Winnipeg, Manitoba via Utah’s Wasatch Academy, Akot possessed a four-star rating and a versatile skillset. He never found a consistent role at ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥. He spent much of his freshman season battling knee tendinitis, and didn’t emerge as the defensive stopper coach Sean Miller said he could become.
Miller put Akot in the starting lineup after this season’s trip to the Maui Invitational in a move to help his confidence — and give the Wildcats extra shooting off the bench in former starter Ryan Luther — but Akot’s per-minute contributions remained similar.
Over 17 games this season, Akot averaged 3.8 points and 2.8 rebounds while playing an average of 19.3 minutes per game. As a bench player in the previous six games, he averaged 2.8 points, 2.7 rebounds and played 16.7 minutes per game.
Having Akot “starting the game gives us a different look — we have another ball-handler on the court, we have almost another wing player to defend,†Miller said of the move in early December. “I’m gonna say we’re a little bit quicker, a little more fluid in terms of multiple ball-handlers.â€
But Akot may have faced an uphill battle to earn more playing time the rest of this season, and next. On Wednesday, sophomore reserve Ira Lee made several critical plays in the final minute to spark UA’s 75-70 win at Stanford. Miller said on Friday he wanted Lee to play more often, especially alongside starting center Chase Jeter.
Akot scored two points on 1-for-4 shooting with three rebounds at Stanford, then posted six points and three rebounds in 23 minutes on Saturday at Cal.
Next season, UA is bringing in well-regarded forwards Terry Armstrong and Zeke Nnaji, along with five-star guards Nico Mannion and Josh Green.
Check out photos from Akot's brief ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ career:Â
Photos: Emmanuel Akot's career as an ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcat
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. Montana Grizzlies men's college basketball
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. Stanford Cardinal men's college basketball
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) warms up before the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. Stanford University Cardinal men's college basketball game, Jan. 9, 2019, in Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto, Calif.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. Utah Utes men's college basketball
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats forwards Jake DesJardins, middle, and Matt Weyand enjoy Emmanuel Akot's dance to the music before the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. University of Utah Runnin' Utes men's college basketball game, Jan. 5, 2019, in McKale Center in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Colorado
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ guard Emmanuel Akot (24) eyes the bucket while driving into the lane against Colorado guard Tyler Bey (1) in the first half of their Pac-12 season opener at McKale Center, Thursday, January 3, 2019, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Utah Valley
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) eyes the basket as he's defended by Utah Valley Wolverines center Baylee Steele (44) in the first half during a game at McKale Center on Dec. 6, 2018.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Utah Valley
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) and ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Brandon Randolph (5) celebrate the UA's comeback against Utah Valley in the second half during a game at McKale Center on Dec. 6, 2018.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ UConn Basketball
Connecticut's Christian Vital (1) attempts to intercept a pass between ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s Ryan Luther (10) and Emmanuel Akot (24) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Hartford, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats 100, Georgia Southern Eagles 70
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) loses handle of the ball during the first half.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats 100, Georgia Southern Eagles 70
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) takes the ball away from Georgia Southern Eagles guard Quan Jackson (13) during the second half.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Houston Baptist
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ guard Emmanuel Akot (24) picks up an offensive foul against Houston Baptist guard Stephen O’Suji (4) while elbowing his way into the paint in the first half of their NCAA basketball game at McKale Center, Wednesday, November 7, 2018, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Houston Baptist
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ guard Emmanuel Akot (24) tangles with Houston Baptist guard Qon Murphy (13) in the fight for a rebound in their NCAA basketball game at McKale Center, Wednesday, November 7, 2018, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Houston Baptist
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ guard Emmanuel Akot (24) dialing in his shooting eye before the Wildcats face Houston Baptist in their season opener at McKale Center, Wednesday, November 7, 2018, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. Chaminade Silverswords college basketball
Chaminade Silverswords Tyler Cartaino (13) gets a piece of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot's (24) shot during the first half of the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. Chaminade University Silverswords college exhibition men's basketball game, Nov. 4, 2018, in McKale Center in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Basketball
Emmanuel Akot poses for a photo during media day at McKale Center on October 1, 2018.
No. 4 seed ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. No. 13 seed Buffalo Bulls
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Alex Barcello (23), ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) and ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats forward Keanu Pinder (25) sit quietly in the locker room after their loss to Buffalo in the the first round NCAA South Region game at the Taco Bell Arena in Boise, Idaho on March 15, 2018. Buffalo won 89-68.
P12 Colorado ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Basketball
Colorado's George King, left, passes behind ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s Emmanuel Akot, center, and Brandon Randolph during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinals of the Pac-12 men's tournament Thursday, March 8, 2018, in Las Vegas. ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ won 83-67.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ 66, California 54
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) reaches in over California Golden Bears forward Justice Sueing (10) as he vies for a rebound during the first.
Univesity of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Stanford
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ guard Emmanuel Akot (24) gets grabbed on his rebound attempt against Stanford in the second half of their Pac-12 game at McKale Center, Thursday, March 1, 2018, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Oregon State
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) defends Oregon State Beavers forward Tres Tinkle (3) in overtime during a game at Gill Coliseum in Corvallis, Oregon on Feb. 22, 2018. ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ won 75-65.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs UCLA
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ guard Emmanuel Akot (24) and guard Allonzo Trier (35) try to pressure UCLA guard Jaylen Hands (4) near mid-court in the second half of their Pac-12 game at McKale Center, Thursday, February 8, 2018, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
No. 9 ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. Washington Huskies college basketball
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) pressures Washington Huskies guard Michael Carter III (14) during the first half of the No. 9 University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. University of Washington Huskies college basketball game on Feb. 3, 2018, at Alaska Airlines Arena in Seattle, Wash.
No. 9 ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. Washington Huskies college basketball
Washington Huskies forward Dominic Green (22) nails the game-winner over ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) during the second half of the No. 9 University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. University of Washington Huskies college basketball game on Feb. 3, 2018, at Alaska Airlines Arena in Seattle, Wash. Washington won 78-75 on a game-winning three-pointer from forward Dominic Green.
No. 9 ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. Washington Huskies college basketball
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Allonzo Trier (35) bumps chests with ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) after an and-one bucket during the second half of the No. 9 University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. University of Washington Huskies college basketball game on Feb. 3, 2018, at Alaska Airlines Arena in Seattle, Wash. Washington won 78-75 on a game-winning three-pointer from forward Dominic Green.
No. 17 ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. No. 3 ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ State Sun Devils
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) gets fired up during pre-game warm-ups before the No. 17 University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. No. 3 ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ State University Sun Devils men's college basketball game on Dec. 30, 2017, at McKale Center in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Utah
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ guard Emmanuel Akot (24) throws one down as the Wildcats run their pre-game drills before going against Utah in their Pac-12 game at the Huntsman Center, Thursday, January 4, 2018, Salt Lake City, Utah.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs UMBC
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) is defended by UMBC Retrievers forward Arkel Lamar (33) in the first half during a game at McKale Center on November 12, 2017.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Chico State
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ guard Alex Barcello (23) left, and guard Emmanuel Akot (24) hem in Chico State guard Nate Ambrosini (20) at the top of the key in the first half of their exhibition game at McKale Center, Sunday November 5, 2017, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Eastern New Mexico
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ guard Rawle Alkins (1) shares his tunes with teammate guard Emmanuel Akot (24) as the Wildcats warm up before facing Eastern New Mexico in their exhibition game at McKale Center, Wednesday November 2, 2017, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats Red-Blue scrimmage
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s Emmanuel Akot (24) shoots over the defense of Deandre Ayton (13) and Chase Jeter (4) during the 2017 Red-Blue Game.
Emmanuel Akot
Emmanuel Akot reportedly quits ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ declined to comment late Monday on a report that sophomore forward Emmanuel Akot has quit the Wildcats and will transfer next season.
Akot could not be reached for comment. His high school coach, Curtis Condie, said Monday that he didn’t know if Akot was leaving. Akot would be the second Wildcat to leave the program this season. Belgian freshman Omar Thielemans left the team in October, and has since enrolled at Wright State.Ìý
Akot could play at another school next season, after the fall semester ends, if he were to leave the UA immediately and enroll somewhere else. However, said Akot plans to finish out this semester at ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ and transfer afterward. That would leave Akot with two full seasons of college eligibility remaining, but he’d have to sit out all of the 2019-20 season as a transfer.
MORE: Sean Miller confirms Emmanuel Akot quit Wildcats after Bay Area trip
Arriving in 2017 from Winnipeg, Manitoba via Utah’s Wasatch Academy, Akot possessed a four-star rating and a versatile skillset. He never found a consistent role at ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥. He spent much of his freshman season battling knee tendinitis, and didn’t emerge as the defensive stopper coach Sean Miller said he could become.
Miller put Akot in the starting lineup after this season’s trip to the Maui Invitational in a move to help his confidence — and give the Wildcats extra shooting off the bench in former starter Ryan Luther — but Akot’s per-minute contributions remained similar.
Over 17 games this season, Akot averaged 3.8 points and 2.8 rebounds while playing an average of 19.3 minutes per game. As a bench player in the previous six games, he averaged 2.8 points, 2.7 rebounds and played 16.7 minutes per game.
Having Akot “starting the game gives us a different look — we have another ball-handler on the court, we have almost another wing player to defend,†Miller said of the move in early December. “I’m gonna say we’re a little bit quicker, a little more fluid in terms of multiple ball-handlers.â€
But Akot may have faced an uphill battle to earn more playing time the rest of this season, and next. On Wednesday, sophomore reserve Ira Lee made several critical plays in the final minute to spark UA’s 75-70 win at Stanford. Miller said on Friday he wanted Lee to play more often, especially alongside starting center Chase Jeter.
Akot scored two points on 1-for-4 shooting with three rebounds at Stanford, then posted six points and three rebounds in 23 minutes on Saturday at Cal.
Next season, UA is bringing in well-regarded forwards Terry Armstrong and Zeke Nnaji, along with five-star guards Nico Mannion and Josh Green.
Check out photos from Akot's brief ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ career:Â
Photos: Emmanuel Akot's career as an ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcat
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. Montana Grizzlies men's college basketball
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. Stanford Cardinal men's college basketball
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) warms up before the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. Stanford University Cardinal men's college basketball game, Jan. 9, 2019, in Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto, Calif.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. Utah Utes men's college basketball
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats forwards Jake DesJardins, middle, and Matt Weyand enjoy Emmanuel Akot's dance to the music before the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. University of Utah Runnin' Utes men's college basketball game, Jan. 5, 2019, in McKale Center in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Colorado
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ guard Emmanuel Akot (24) eyes the bucket while driving into the lane against Colorado guard Tyler Bey (1) in the first half of their Pac-12 season opener at McKale Center, Thursday, January 3, 2019, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Utah Valley
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) eyes the basket as he's defended by Utah Valley Wolverines center Baylee Steele (44) in the first half during a game at McKale Center on Dec. 6, 2018.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Utah Valley
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) and ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Brandon Randolph (5) celebrate the UA's comeback against Utah Valley in the second half during a game at McKale Center on Dec. 6, 2018.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ UConn Basketball
Connecticut's Christian Vital (1) attempts to intercept a pass between ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s Ryan Luther (10) and Emmanuel Akot (24) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Hartford, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats 100, Georgia Southern Eagles 70
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) loses handle of the ball during the first half.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats 100, Georgia Southern Eagles 70
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) takes the ball away from Georgia Southern Eagles guard Quan Jackson (13) during the second half.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Houston Baptist
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ guard Emmanuel Akot (24) picks up an offensive foul against Houston Baptist guard Stephen O’Suji (4) while elbowing his way into the paint in the first half of their NCAA basketball game at McKale Center, Wednesday, November 7, 2018, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Houston Baptist
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ guard Emmanuel Akot (24) tangles with Houston Baptist guard Qon Murphy (13) in the fight for a rebound in their NCAA basketball game at McKale Center, Wednesday, November 7, 2018, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Houston Baptist
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ guard Emmanuel Akot (24) dialing in his shooting eye before the Wildcats face Houston Baptist in their season opener at McKale Center, Wednesday, November 7, 2018, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. Chaminade Silverswords college basketball
Chaminade Silverswords Tyler Cartaino (13) gets a piece of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot's (24) shot during the first half of the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. Chaminade University Silverswords college exhibition men's basketball game, Nov. 4, 2018, in McKale Center in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Basketball
Emmanuel Akot poses for a photo during media day at McKale Center on October 1, 2018.
No. 4 seed ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. No. 13 seed Buffalo Bulls
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Alex Barcello (23), ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) and ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats forward Keanu Pinder (25) sit quietly in the locker room after their loss to Buffalo in the the first round NCAA South Region game at the Taco Bell Arena in Boise, Idaho on March 15, 2018. Buffalo won 89-68.
P12 Colorado ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Basketball
Colorado's George King, left, passes behind ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s Emmanuel Akot, center, and Brandon Randolph during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinals of the Pac-12 men's tournament Thursday, March 8, 2018, in Las Vegas. ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ won 83-67.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ 66, California 54
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) reaches in over California Golden Bears forward Justice Sueing (10) as he vies for a rebound during the first.
Univesity of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Stanford
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ guard Emmanuel Akot (24) gets grabbed on his rebound attempt against Stanford in the second half of their Pac-12 game at McKale Center, Thursday, March 1, 2018, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Oregon State
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) defends Oregon State Beavers forward Tres Tinkle (3) in overtime during a game at Gill Coliseum in Corvallis, Oregon on Feb. 22, 2018. ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ won 75-65.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs UCLA
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ guard Emmanuel Akot (24) and guard Allonzo Trier (35) try to pressure UCLA guard Jaylen Hands (4) near mid-court in the second half of their Pac-12 game at McKale Center, Thursday, February 8, 2018, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
No. 9 ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. Washington Huskies college basketball
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) pressures Washington Huskies guard Michael Carter III (14) during the first half of the No. 9 University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. University of Washington Huskies college basketball game on Feb. 3, 2018, at Alaska Airlines Arena in Seattle, Wash.
No. 9 ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. Washington Huskies college basketball
Washington Huskies forward Dominic Green (22) nails the game-winner over ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) during the second half of the No. 9 University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. University of Washington Huskies college basketball game on Feb. 3, 2018, at Alaska Airlines Arena in Seattle, Wash. Washington won 78-75 on a game-winning three-pointer from forward Dominic Green.
No. 9 ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. Washington Huskies college basketball
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Allonzo Trier (35) bumps chests with ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) after an and-one bucket during the second half of the No. 9 University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. University of Washington Huskies college basketball game on Feb. 3, 2018, at Alaska Airlines Arena in Seattle, Wash. Washington won 78-75 on a game-winning three-pointer from forward Dominic Green.
No. 17 ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. No. 3 ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ State Sun Devils
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) gets fired up during pre-game warm-ups before the No. 17 University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. No. 3 ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ State University Sun Devils men's college basketball game on Dec. 30, 2017, at McKale Center in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Utah
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ guard Emmanuel Akot (24) throws one down as the Wildcats run their pre-game drills before going against Utah in their Pac-12 game at the Huntsman Center, Thursday, January 4, 2018, Salt Lake City, Utah.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs UMBC
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) is defended by UMBC Retrievers forward Arkel Lamar (33) in the first half during a game at McKale Center on November 12, 2017.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Chico State
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ guard Alex Barcello (23) left, and guard Emmanuel Akot (24) hem in Chico State guard Nate Ambrosini (20) at the top of the key in the first half of their exhibition game at McKale Center, Sunday November 5, 2017, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Eastern New Mexico
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ guard Rawle Alkins (1) shares his tunes with teammate guard Emmanuel Akot (24) as the Wildcats warm up before facing Eastern New Mexico in their exhibition game at McKale Center, Wednesday November 2, 2017, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats Red-Blue scrimmage
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s Emmanuel Akot (24) shoots over the defense of Deandre Ayton (13) and Chase Jeter (4) during the 2017 Red-Blue Game.
Emmanuel Akot
Emmanuel Akot reportedly quits ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ declined to comment late Monday on a report that sophomore forward Emmanuel Akot has quit the Wildcats and will transfer next season.
Akot could not be reached for comment. His high school coach, Curtis Condie, said Monday that he didn’t know if Akot was leaving. Akot would be the second Wildcat to leave the program this season. Belgian freshman Omar Thielemans left the team in October, and has since enrolled at Wright State.Ìý
Akot could play at another school next season, after the fall semester ends, if he were to leave the UA immediately and enroll somewhere else. However, said Akot plans to finish out this semester at ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ and transfer afterward. That would leave Akot with two full seasons of college eligibility remaining, but he’d have to sit out all of the 2019-20 season as a transfer.
MORE: Sean Miller confirms Emmanuel Akot quit Wildcats after Bay Area trip
Arriving in 2017 from Winnipeg, Manitoba via Utah’s Wasatch Academy, Akot possessed a four-star rating and a versatile skillset. He never found a consistent role at ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥. He spent much of his freshman season battling knee tendinitis, and didn’t emerge as the defensive stopper coach Sean Miller said he could become.
Miller put Akot in the starting lineup after this season’s trip to the Maui Invitational in a move to help his confidence — and give the Wildcats extra shooting off the bench in former starter Ryan Luther — but Akot’s per-minute contributions remained similar.
Over 17 games this season, Akot averaged 3.8 points and 2.8 rebounds while playing an average of 19.3 minutes per game. As a bench player in the previous six games, he averaged 2.8 points, 2.7 rebounds and played 16.7 minutes per game.
Having Akot “starting the game gives us a different look — we have another ball-handler on the court, we have almost another wing player to defend,†Miller said of the move in early December. “I’m gonna say we’re a little bit quicker, a little more fluid in terms of multiple ball-handlers.â€
But Akot may have faced an uphill battle to earn more playing time the rest of this season, and next. On Wednesday, sophomore reserve Ira Lee made several critical plays in the final minute to spark UA’s 75-70 win at Stanford. Miller said on Friday he wanted Lee to play more often, especially alongside starting center Chase Jeter.
Akot scored two points on 1-for-4 shooting with three rebounds at Stanford, then posted six points and three rebounds in 23 minutes on Saturday at Cal.
Next season, UA is bringing in well-regarded forwards Terry Armstrong and Zeke Nnaji, along with five-star guards Nico Mannion and Josh Green.
Check out photos from Akot's brief ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ career:Â
Photos: Emmanuel Akot's career as an ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcat
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. Montana Grizzlies men's college basketball
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. Stanford Cardinal men's college basketball
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) warms up before the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. Stanford University Cardinal men's college basketball game, Jan. 9, 2019, in Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto, Calif.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. Utah Utes men's college basketball
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats forwards Jake DesJardins, middle, and Matt Weyand enjoy Emmanuel Akot's dance to the music before the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. University of Utah Runnin' Utes men's college basketball game, Jan. 5, 2019, in McKale Center in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Colorado
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ guard Emmanuel Akot (24) eyes the bucket while driving into the lane against Colorado guard Tyler Bey (1) in the first half of their Pac-12 season opener at McKale Center, Thursday, January 3, 2019, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Utah Valley
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) eyes the basket as he's defended by Utah Valley Wolverines center Baylee Steele (44) in the first half during a game at McKale Center on Dec. 6, 2018.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Utah Valley
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) and ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Brandon Randolph (5) celebrate the UA's comeback against Utah Valley in the second half during a game at McKale Center on Dec. 6, 2018.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ UConn Basketball
Connecticut's Christian Vital (1) attempts to intercept a pass between ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s Ryan Luther (10) and Emmanuel Akot (24) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Hartford, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats 100, Georgia Southern Eagles 70
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) loses handle of the ball during the first half.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats 100, Georgia Southern Eagles 70
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) takes the ball away from Georgia Southern Eagles guard Quan Jackson (13) during the second half.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Houston Baptist
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ guard Emmanuel Akot (24) picks up an offensive foul against Houston Baptist guard Stephen O’Suji (4) while elbowing his way into the paint in the first half of their NCAA basketball game at McKale Center, Wednesday, November 7, 2018, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Houston Baptist
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ guard Emmanuel Akot (24) tangles with Houston Baptist guard Qon Murphy (13) in the fight for a rebound in their NCAA basketball game at McKale Center, Wednesday, November 7, 2018, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Houston Baptist
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ guard Emmanuel Akot (24) dialing in his shooting eye before the Wildcats face Houston Baptist in their season opener at McKale Center, Wednesday, November 7, 2018, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. Chaminade Silverswords college basketball
Chaminade Silverswords Tyler Cartaino (13) gets a piece of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot's (24) shot during the first half of the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. Chaminade University Silverswords college exhibition men's basketball game, Nov. 4, 2018, in McKale Center in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Basketball
Emmanuel Akot poses for a photo during media day at McKale Center on October 1, 2018.
No. 4 seed ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. No. 13 seed Buffalo Bulls
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Alex Barcello (23), ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) and ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats forward Keanu Pinder (25) sit quietly in the locker room after their loss to Buffalo in the the first round NCAA South Region game at the Taco Bell Arena in Boise, Idaho on March 15, 2018. Buffalo won 89-68.
P12 Colorado ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Basketball
Colorado's George King, left, passes behind ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s Emmanuel Akot, center, and Brandon Randolph during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinals of the Pac-12 men's tournament Thursday, March 8, 2018, in Las Vegas. ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ won 83-67.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ 66, California 54
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) reaches in over California Golden Bears forward Justice Sueing (10) as he vies for a rebound during the first.
Univesity of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Stanford
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ guard Emmanuel Akot (24) gets grabbed on his rebound attempt against Stanford in the second half of their Pac-12 game at McKale Center, Thursday, March 1, 2018, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Oregon State
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) defends Oregon State Beavers forward Tres Tinkle (3) in overtime during a game at Gill Coliseum in Corvallis, Oregon on Feb. 22, 2018. ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ won 75-65.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs UCLA
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ guard Emmanuel Akot (24) and guard Allonzo Trier (35) try to pressure UCLA guard Jaylen Hands (4) near mid-court in the second half of their Pac-12 game at McKale Center, Thursday, February 8, 2018, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
No. 9 ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. Washington Huskies college basketball
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) pressures Washington Huskies guard Michael Carter III (14) during the first half of the No. 9 University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. University of Washington Huskies college basketball game on Feb. 3, 2018, at Alaska Airlines Arena in Seattle, Wash.
No. 9 ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. Washington Huskies college basketball
Washington Huskies forward Dominic Green (22) nails the game-winner over ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) during the second half of the No. 9 University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. University of Washington Huskies college basketball game on Feb. 3, 2018, at Alaska Airlines Arena in Seattle, Wash. Washington won 78-75 on a game-winning three-pointer from forward Dominic Green.
No. 9 ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. Washington Huskies college basketball
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Allonzo Trier (35) bumps chests with ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) after an and-one bucket during the second half of the No. 9 University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. University of Washington Huskies college basketball game on Feb. 3, 2018, at Alaska Airlines Arena in Seattle, Wash. Washington won 78-75 on a game-winning three-pointer from forward Dominic Green.
No. 17 ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. No. 3 ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ State Sun Devils
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) gets fired up during pre-game warm-ups before the No. 17 University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. No. 3 ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ State University Sun Devils men's college basketball game on Dec. 30, 2017, at McKale Center in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Utah
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ guard Emmanuel Akot (24) throws one down as the Wildcats run their pre-game drills before going against Utah in their Pac-12 game at the Huntsman Center, Thursday, January 4, 2018, Salt Lake City, Utah.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs UMBC
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) is defended by UMBC Retrievers forward Arkel Lamar (33) in the first half during a game at McKale Center on November 12, 2017.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Chico State
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ guard Alex Barcello (23) left, and guard Emmanuel Akot (24) hem in Chico State guard Nate Ambrosini (20) at the top of the key in the first half of their exhibition game at McKale Center, Sunday November 5, 2017, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Eastern New Mexico
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ guard Rawle Alkins (1) shares his tunes with teammate guard Emmanuel Akot (24) as the Wildcats warm up before facing Eastern New Mexico in their exhibition game at McKale Center, Wednesday November 2, 2017, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats Red-Blue scrimmage
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s Emmanuel Akot (24) shoots over the defense of Deandre Ayton (13) and Chase Jeter (4) during the 2017 Red-Blue Game.
Emmanuel Akot
Emmanuel Akot reportedly quits ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ declined to comment late Monday on a report that sophomore forward Emmanuel Akot has quit the Wildcats and will transfer next season.
Akot could not be reached for comment. His high school coach, Curtis Condie, said Monday that he didn’t know if Akot was leaving. Akot would be the second Wildcat to leave the program this season. Belgian freshman Omar Thielemans left the team in October, and has since enrolled at Wright State.Ìý
Akot could play at another school next season, after the fall semester ends, if he were to leave the UA immediately and enroll somewhere else. However, said Akot plans to finish out this semester at ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ and transfer afterward. That would leave Akot with two full seasons of college eligibility remaining, but he’d have to sit out all of the 2019-20 season as a transfer.
MORE: Sean Miller confirms Emmanuel Akot quit Wildcats after Bay Area trip
Arriving in 2017 from Winnipeg, Manitoba via Utah’s Wasatch Academy, Akot possessed a four-star rating and a versatile skillset. He never found a consistent role at ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥. He spent much of his freshman season battling knee tendinitis, and didn’t emerge as the defensive stopper coach Sean Miller said he could become.
Miller put Akot in the starting lineup after this season’s trip to the Maui Invitational in a move to help his confidence — and give the Wildcats extra shooting off the bench in former starter Ryan Luther — but Akot’s per-minute contributions remained similar.
Over 17 games this season, Akot averaged 3.8 points and 2.8 rebounds while playing an average of 19.3 minutes per game. As a bench player in the previous six games, he averaged 2.8 points, 2.7 rebounds and played 16.7 minutes per game.
Having Akot “starting the game gives us a different look — we have another ball-handler on the court, we have almost another wing player to defend,†Miller said of the move in early December. “I’m gonna say we’re a little bit quicker, a little more fluid in terms of multiple ball-handlers.â€
But Akot may have faced an uphill battle to earn more playing time the rest of this season, and next. On Wednesday, sophomore reserve Ira Lee made several critical plays in the final minute to spark UA’s 75-70 win at Stanford. Miller said on Friday he wanted Lee to play more often, especially alongside starting center Chase Jeter.
Akot scored two points on 1-for-4 shooting with three rebounds at Stanford, then posted six points and three rebounds in 23 minutes on Saturday at Cal.
Next season, UA is bringing in well-regarded forwards Terry Armstrong and Zeke Nnaji, along with five-star guards Nico Mannion and Josh Green.
Check out photos from Akot's brief ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ career:Â
Photos: Emmanuel Akot's career as an ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcat
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. Montana Grizzlies men's college basketball
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. Stanford Cardinal men's college basketball
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) warms up before the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. Stanford University Cardinal men's college basketball game, Jan. 9, 2019, in Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto, Calif.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. Utah Utes men's college basketball
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats forwards Jake DesJardins, middle, and Matt Weyand enjoy Emmanuel Akot's dance to the music before the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. University of Utah Runnin' Utes men's college basketball game, Jan. 5, 2019, in McKale Center in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Colorado
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ guard Emmanuel Akot (24) eyes the bucket while driving into the lane against Colorado guard Tyler Bey (1) in the first half of their Pac-12 season opener at McKale Center, Thursday, January 3, 2019, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Utah Valley
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) eyes the basket as he's defended by Utah Valley Wolverines center Baylee Steele (44) in the first half during a game at McKale Center on Dec. 6, 2018.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Utah Valley
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) and ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Brandon Randolph (5) celebrate the UA's comeback against Utah Valley in the second half during a game at McKale Center on Dec. 6, 2018.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ UConn Basketball
Connecticut's Christian Vital (1) attempts to intercept a pass between ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s Ryan Luther (10) and Emmanuel Akot (24) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Hartford, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats 100, Georgia Southern Eagles 70
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) loses handle of the ball during the first half.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats 100, Georgia Southern Eagles 70
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) takes the ball away from Georgia Southern Eagles guard Quan Jackson (13) during the second half.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Houston Baptist
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ guard Emmanuel Akot (24) picks up an offensive foul against Houston Baptist guard Stephen O’Suji (4) while elbowing his way into the paint in the first half of their NCAA basketball game at McKale Center, Wednesday, November 7, 2018, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Houston Baptist
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ guard Emmanuel Akot (24) tangles with Houston Baptist guard Qon Murphy (13) in the fight for a rebound in their NCAA basketball game at McKale Center, Wednesday, November 7, 2018, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Houston Baptist
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ guard Emmanuel Akot (24) dialing in his shooting eye before the Wildcats face Houston Baptist in their season opener at McKale Center, Wednesday, November 7, 2018, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. Chaminade Silverswords college basketball
Chaminade Silverswords Tyler Cartaino (13) gets a piece of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot's (24) shot during the first half of the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. Chaminade University Silverswords college exhibition men's basketball game, Nov. 4, 2018, in McKale Center in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Basketball
Emmanuel Akot poses for a photo during media day at McKale Center on October 1, 2018.
No. 4 seed ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. No. 13 seed Buffalo Bulls
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Alex Barcello (23), ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) and ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats forward Keanu Pinder (25) sit quietly in the locker room after their loss to Buffalo in the the first round NCAA South Region game at the Taco Bell Arena in Boise, Idaho on March 15, 2018. Buffalo won 89-68.
P12 Colorado ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Basketball
Colorado's George King, left, passes behind ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s Emmanuel Akot, center, and Brandon Randolph during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinals of the Pac-12 men's tournament Thursday, March 8, 2018, in Las Vegas. ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ won 83-67.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ 66, California 54
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) reaches in over California Golden Bears forward Justice Sueing (10) as he vies for a rebound during the first.
Univesity of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Stanford
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ guard Emmanuel Akot (24) gets grabbed on his rebound attempt against Stanford in the second half of their Pac-12 game at McKale Center, Thursday, March 1, 2018, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Oregon State
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) defends Oregon State Beavers forward Tres Tinkle (3) in overtime during a game at Gill Coliseum in Corvallis, Oregon on Feb. 22, 2018. ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ won 75-65.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs UCLA
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ guard Emmanuel Akot (24) and guard Allonzo Trier (35) try to pressure UCLA guard Jaylen Hands (4) near mid-court in the second half of their Pac-12 game at McKale Center, Thursday, February 8, 2018, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
No. 9 ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. Washington Huskies college basketball
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) pressures Washington Huskies guard Michael Carter III (14) during the first half of the No. 9 University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. University of Washington Huskies college basketball game on Feb. 3, 2018, at Alaska Airlines Arena in Seattle, Wash.
No. 9 ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. Washington Huskies college basketball
Washington Huskies forward Dominic Green (22) nails the game-winner over ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) during the second half of the No. 9 University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. University of Washington Huskies college basketball game on Feb. 3, 2018, at Alaska Airlines Arena in Seattle, Wash. Washington won 78-75 on a game-winning three-pointer from forward Dominic Green.
No. 9 ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. Washington Huskies college basketball
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Allonzo Trier (35) bumps chests with ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) after an and-one bucket during the second half of the No. 9 University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. University of Washington Huskies college basketball game on Feb. 3, 2018, at Alaska Airlines Arena in Seattle, Wash. Washington won 78-75 on a game-winning three-pointer from forward Dominic Green.
No. 17 ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. No. 3 ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ State Sun Devils
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) gets fired up during pre-game warm-ups before the No. 17 University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. No. 3 ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ State University Sun Devils men's college basketball game on Dec. 30, 2017, at McKale Center in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Utah
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ guard Emmanuel Akot (24) throws one down as the Wildcats run their pre-game drills before going against Utah in their Pac-12 game at the Huntsman Center, Thursday, January 4, 2018, Salt Lake City, Utah.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs UMBC
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) is defended by UMBC Retrievers forward Arkel Lamar (33) in the first half during a game at McKale Center on November 12, 2017.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Chico State
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ guard Alex Barcello (23) left, and guard Emmanuel Akot (24) hem in Chico State guard Nate Ambrosini (20) at the top of the key in the first half of their exhibition game at McKale Center, Sunday November 5, 2017, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Eastern New Mexico
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ guard Rawle Alkins (1) shares his tunes with teammate guard Emmanuel Akot (24) as the Wildcats warm up before facing Eastern New Mexico in their exhibition game at McKale Center, Wednesday November 2, 2017, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats Red-Blue scrimmage
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s Emmanuel Akot (24) shoots over the defense of Deandre Ayton (13) and Chase Jeter (4) during the 2017 Red-Blue Game.
Emmanuel Akot
Emmanuel Akot reportedly quits ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ declined to comment late Monday on a report that sophomore forward Emmanuel Akot has quit the Wildcats and will transfer next season.
Akot could not be reached for comment. His high school coach, Curtis Condie, said Monday that he didn’t know if Akot was leaving. Akot would be the second Wildcat to leave the program this season. Belgian freshman Omar Thielemans left the team in October, and has since enrolled at Wright State.Ìý
Akot could play at another school next season, after the fall semester ends, if he were to leave the UA immediately and enroll somewhere else. However, said Akot plans to finish out this semester at ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ and transfer afterward. That would leave Akot with two full seasons of college eligibility remaining, but he’d have to sit out all of the 2019-20 season as a transfer.
MORE: Sean Miller confirms Emmanuel Akot quit Wildcats after Bay Area trip
Arriving in 2017 from Winnipeg, Manitoba via Utah’s Wasatch Academy, Akot possessed a four-star rating and a versatile skillset. He never found a consistent role at ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥. He spent much of his freshman season battling knee tendinitis, and didn’t emerge as the defensive stopper coach Sean Miller said he could become.
Miller put Akot in the starting lineup after this season’s trip to the Maui Invitational in a move to help his confidence — and give the Wildcats extra shooting off the bench in former starter Ryan Luther — but Akot’s per-minute contributions remained similar.
Over 17 games this season, Akot averaged 3.8 points and 2.8 rebounds while playing an average of 19.3 minutes per game. As a bench player in the previous six games, he averaged 2.8 points, 2.7 rebounds and played 16.7 minutes per game.
Having Akot “starting the game gives us a different look — we have another ball-handler on the court, we have almost another wing player to defend,†Miller said of the move in early December. “I’m gonna say we’re a little bit quicker, a little more fluid in terms of multiple ball-handlers.â€
But Akot may have faced an uphill battle to earn more playing time the rest of this season, and next. On Wednesday, sophomore reserve Ira Lee made several critical plays in the final minute to spark UA’s 75-70 win at Stanford. Miller said on Friday he wanted Lee to play more often, especially alongside starting center Chase Jeter.
Akot scored two points on 1-for-4 shooting with three rebounds at Stanford, then posted six points and three rebounds in 23 minutes on Saturday at Cal.
Next season, UA is bringing in well-regarded forwards Terry Armstrong and Zeke Nnaji, along with five-star guards Nico Mannion and Josh Green.
Check out photos from Akot's brief ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ career:Â
Photos: Emmanuel Akot's career as an ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcat
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. Montana Grizzlies men's college basketball
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. Stanford Cardinal men's college basketball
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) warms up before the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. Stanford University Cardinal men's college basketball game, Jan. 9, 2019, in Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto, Calif.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. Utah Utes men's college basketball
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats forwards Jake DesJardins, middle, and Matt Weyand enjoy Emmanuel Akot's dance to the music before the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. University of Utah Runnin' Utes men's college basketball game, Jan. 5, 2019, in McKale Center in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Colorado
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ guard Emmanuel Akot (24) eyes the bucket while driving into the lane against Colorado guard Tyler Bey (1) in the first half of their Pac-12 season opener at McKale Center, Thursday, January 3, 2019, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Utah Valley
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) eyes the basket as he's defended by Utah Valley Wolverines center Baylee Steele (44) in the first half during a game at McKale Center on Dec. 6, 2018.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Utah Valley
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) and ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Brandon Randolph (5) celebrate the UA's comeback against Utah Valley in the second half during a game at McKale Center on Dec. 6, 2018.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ UConn Basketball
Connecticut's Christian Vital (1) attempts to intercept a pass between ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s Ryan Luther (10) and Emmanuel Akot (24) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Hartford, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats 100, Georgia Southern Eagles 70
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) loses handle of the ball during the first half.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats 100, Georgia Southern Eagles 70
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) takes the ball away from Georgia Southern Eagles guard Quan Jackson (13) during the second half.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Houston Baptist
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ guard Emmanuel Akot (24) picks up an offensive foul against Houston Baptist guard Stephen O’Suji (4) while elbowing his way into the paint in the first half of their NCAA basketball game at McKale Center, Wednesday, November 7, 2018, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Houston Baptist
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ guard Emmanuel Akot (24) tangles with Houston Baptist guard Qon Murphy (13) in the fight for a rebound in their NCAA basketball game at McKale Center, Wednesday, November 7, 2018, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Houston Baptist
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ guard Emmanuel Akot (24) dialing in his shooting eye before the Wildcats face Houston Baptist in their season opener at McKale Center, Wednesday, November 7, 2018, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. Chaminade Silverswords college basketball
Chaminade Silverswords Tyler Cartaino (13) gets a piece of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot's (24) shot during the first half of the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. Chaminade University Silverswords college exhibition men's basketball game, Nov. 4, 2018, in McKale Center in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Basketball
Emmanuel Akot poses for a photo during media day at McKale Center on October 1, 2018.
No. 4 seed ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. No. 13 seed Buffalo Bulls
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Alex Barcello (23), ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) and ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats forward Keanu Pinder (25) sit quietly in the locker room after their loss to Buffalo in the the first round NCAA South Region game at the Taco Bell Arena in Boise, Idaho on March 15, 2018. Buffalo won 89-68.
P12 Colorado ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Basketball
Colorado's George King, left, passes behind ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s Emmanuel Akot, center, and Brandon Randolph during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinals of the Pac-12 men's tournament Thursday, March 8, 2018, in Las Vegas. ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ won 83-67.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ 66, California 54
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) reaches in over California Golden Bears forward Justice Sueing (10) as he vies for a rebound during the first.
Univesity of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Stanford
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ guard Emmanuel Akot (24) gets grabbed on his rebound attempt against Stanford in the second half of their Pac-12 game at McKale Center, Thursday, March 1, 2018, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Oregon State
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) defends Oregon State Beavers forward Tres Tinkle (3) in overtime during a game at Gill Coliseum in Corvallis, Oregon on Feb. 22, 2018. ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ won 75-65.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs UCLA
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ guard Emmanuel Akot (24) and guard Allonzo Trier (35) try to pressure UCLA guard Jaylen Hands (4) near mid-court in the second half of their Pac-12 game at McKale Center, Thursday, February 8, 2018, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
No. 9 ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. Washington Huskies college basketball
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) pressures Washington Huskies guard Michael Carter III (14) during the first half of the No. 9 University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. University of Washington Huskies college basketball game on Feb. 3, 2018, at Alaska Airlines Arena in Seattle, Wash.
No. 9 ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. Washington Huskies college basketball
Washington Huskies forward Dominic Green (22) nails the game-winner over ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) during the second half of the No. 9 University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. University of Washington Huskies college basketball game on Feb. 3, 2018, at Alaska Airlines Arena in Seattle, Wash. Washington won 78-75 on a game-winning three-pointer from forward Dominic Green.
No. 9 ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. Washington Huskies college basketball
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Allonzo Trier (35) bumps chests with ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) after an and-one bucket during the second half of the No. 9 University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. University of Washington Huskies college basketball game on Feb. 3, 2018, at Alaska Airlines Arena in Seattle, Wash. Washington won 78-75 on a game-winning three-pointer from forward Dominic Green.
No. 17 ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. No. 3 ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ State Sun Devils
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) gets fired up during pre-game warm-ups before the No. 17 University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs. No. 3 ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ State University Sun Devils men's college basketball game on Dec. 30, 2017, at McKale Center in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Utah
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ guard Emmanuel Akot (24) throws one down as the Wildcats run their pre-game drills before going against Utah in their Pac-12 game at the Huntsman Center, Thursday, January 4, 2018, Salt Lake City, Utah.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs UMBC
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Emmanuel Akot (24) is defended by UMBC Retrievers forward Arkel Lamar (33) in the first half during a game at McKale Center on November 12, 2017.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Chico State
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ guard Alex Barcello (23) left, and guard Emmanuel Akot (24) hem in Chico State guard Nate Ambrosini (20) at the top of the key in the first half of their exhibition game at McKale Center, Sunday November 5, 2017, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Eastern New Mexico
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ guard Rawle Alkins (1) shares his tunes with teammate guard Emmanuel Akot (24) as the Wildcats warm up before facing Eastern New Mexico in their exhibition game at McKale Center, Wednesday November 2, 2017, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats Red-Blue scrimmage
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s Emmanuel Akot (24) shoots over the defense of Deandre Ayton (13) and Chase Jeter (4) during the 2017 Red-Blue Game.
Emmanuel Akot
Emmanuel Akot reportedly quits ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ declined to comment late Monday on a report that sophomore forward Emmanuel Akot has quit the Wildcats and will transfer next season.
Akot could not be reached for comment. His high school coach, Curtis Condie, said Monday that he didn’t know if Akot was leaving. Akot would be the second Wildcat to leave the program this season. Belgian freshman Omar Thielemans left the team in October, and has since enrolled at Wright State.Ìý
Akot could play at another school next season, after the fall semester ends, if he were to leave the UA immediately and enroll somewhere else. However, said Akot plans to finish out this semester at ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ and transfer afterward. That would leave Akot with two full seasons of college eligibility remaining, but he’d have to sit out all of the 2019-20 season as a transfer.
MORE: Sean Miller confirms Emmanuel Akot quit Wildcats after Bay Area trip
Arriving in 2017 from Winnipeg, Manitoba via Utah’s Wasatch Academy, Akot possessed a four-star rating and a versatile skillset. He never found a consistent role at ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥. He spent much of his freshman season battling knee tendinitis, and didn’t emerge as the defensive stopper coach Sean Miller said he could become.
Miller put Akot in the starting lineup after this season’s trip to the Maui Invitational in a move to help his confidence — and give the Wildcats extra shooting off the bench in former starter Ryan Luther — but Akot’s per-minute contributions remained similar.
Over 17 games this season, Akot averaged 3.8 points and 2.8 rebounds while playing an average of 19.3 minutes per game. As a bench player in the previous six games, he averaged 2.8 points, 2.7 rebounds and played 16.7 minutes per game.
Having Akot “starting the game gives us a different look — we have another ball-handler on the court, we have almost another wing player to defend,†Miller said of the move in early December. “I’m gonna say we’re a little bit quicker, a little more fluid in terms of multiple ball-handlers.â€
But Akot may have faced an uphill battle to earn more playing time the rest of this season, and next. On Wednesday, sophomore reserve Ira Lee made several critical plays in the final minute to spark UA’s 75-70 win at Stanford. Miller said on Friday he wanted Lee to play more often, especially alongside starting center Chase Jeter.
Akot scored two points on 1-for-4 shooting with three rebounds at Stanford, then posted six points and three rebounds in 23 minutes on Saturday at Cal.
Next season, UA is bringing in well-regarded forwards Terry Armstrong and Zeke Nnaji, along with five-star guards Nico Mannion and Josh Green.
Check out photos from Akot's brief ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ career:Â
Contact sports reporter Bruce Pascoe at 573-4146 or bpascoe@tucson.com. On Twitter @brucepascoe
Bruce Pascoe
Reporter
