University of Connecticut Athletics
2019-20 Men's Basketball Roster
Akok Akok
- Height:
- 6-9
- Weight:
- 193
- Class:
- Redshirt Freshman
- Hometown:
- Manchester, N.H.
While at UConn: After a breakout freshman season (2019-20) that ended after 25 games with an injury, spent the spring, summer and fall in intense rehab to be able to play in 2020-21... Although not quite 100 percent, made his way into seven games and limited minutes in 2020-21... Has spent the spring and summer working to get back to full strength for 2021-22... Ranked among the top 15 shot-blockers in the country in 2019-20 at the time of his Achilles tendon injury... Came to UConn in second semester of 2018-19 season to redshirt, but practice with the Huskies to prepare for 2019-20 and broke into starting lineup in Game One... Made an immediate impact with 4 blocked shots in his first game against Sacred Heart... Became the anchor of UConn’s inside defense, remaining among the national and conference leaders in blocked shots until suffering a season-ending ruptured right Achilles tendon in the 25th game of the season.
As a Sophomore in 2020-21: Played limited minutes in seven games, averaging 1.3 points, 0.4 rebounds and blocked one shot... Made first appearance of season on Jan. 9 vs. Butler... Had impressive perfomance at Xavier, coming off the bench to hit 3-of-4 shots, including a three-pointer, to help UConn’s 80-72 win.
As a Freshman in 2019-20: Appeared in 25 games, starting 24, averaging 5.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks in 28.1 minutes per game... Had a .413 overall field goal percentage, but without his three-point attempts, that rises to .489... His 2.6 blocks per game ranked 15th in the country and led the American Athletic Conference and his 66 total blocks ranked 13th in the country at the time of his injury... Had career-high 7 blocks, as well as 13 points and 7 rebounds in game against Tulsa (1/26/20)... Had 12 points and 9 rebounds against Saint Joseph’s... Had 6 blocks against Miami at Charleston Classic and 5 blocks in three other games.
Before College: Came to UConn after 2 1/2 years at Putnam Science Academy (Putnam, Conn.), playing under Coach Tom Espinosa. Arrived at Putnam Science as a high school junior after transferring from Manchester (N.H.) West High School... Improved rapidly and was an integral part of PSA’s march to the national prep school championship in 2017-18... Graduated in spring of 2018 and began a postgraduate year at PSA in 2018-19 before leaving mid-year to enroll at UConn in January... A consensus Top 30 recruit... Played AAU ball for Mass Rivals under Coach Vin Pastore, averaging 10.1 points and 3.7 rebounds, helping team reach the championship game of the Adidas AAU Championships.
Personal Information: Akok Akok ... born October 23, 1999 ... Son of Angelina Mario and Reyak Akok... Has two older sisters and one older brother and two younger sisters and one younger brother... Born in Cairo, Egypt, but moved to Manchester, N.H., as a young child.
