Griz add size, versatility with Akoh

University of Montana head basketball coach Travis DeCuire has a certain kind of player in mind when he and his staff are on the recruiting trail, and it might be summed up with one word: versatility.

The ability to run the court in transition, move the ball, yet still post up and defend the bigs down low is a rare thing, but Coach DeCuire thinks he has found such a gem in sophomore transfer Jamar Akoh (pronounced Ah-ko).

Akoh, a 6-7, 240-pound forward, has accepted a scholarship offer from Montana, and is set to transfer to UM from Cal State Fullerton, where he started 26 games last year and averaged 6.1 points, while leading the Titans in rebounds, averaging 6.3 boards per game.

"We're trying to be as skilled as possible down the road," says Coach DeCuire. "He's got the ability to bring the ball down the floor. He can handle the ball, he can pass the ball, he can think, which allows you to run a lot of offense through him. His ability to shoot the ball is going to be huge for us.

"The other piece is, he's a big body, and he can defend down low against bigger guys, so it allows us to be more versatile on both sides of the ball."

Akoh, a 2014 graduate of Los Osos High School in Rancho Cucamonga, California, saw time in 30 games as a true freshman at Fullerton, averaging 2.6 points and 2.5 rebounds per game, moving into a regular starting position in his second season.

As a sophomore, he recorded a career high 19 points against Long Beach State in the Titans final regular season game of the '15-'16 season, while pulling down a game high 10 boards in that contest. Over the course of the season, he kept up a nearly 40-percent field goal percentage, and shot nearly 60-percent from the free throw line.

Last year the Titans entered the Big West Tournament as the No. 8 seed, before falling to No. 1 seed Hawai'i in the quarterfinal. Fullerton finished the season at 10-20, after finishing 9-22 the year before, prompting Akoh to examine his options.

"I was looking for a different situation to better myself and give myself a better opportunity to win," says Akoh. "I feel like Montana has given themselves an opportunity to win every single year that coach Travis has been there, so I felt like I would fit right in."

With the departure of two time All-Big Sky forward Martin Breunig, the 240-pound Akoh will help bolster the Grizzlies' size down low, and much more.

Due to NCAA regulations, Akoh must redshirt his first season at Montana, allowing him time to perfect a game that includes big man toughness paired with a mid-range jump shot.

"I'm looking at it as a year to get better, get used to the system and get to know my teammates and coaches" says Akoh. "We've talked about just getting better, and making this a huge stepping stone as far as taking my play to the highest level possible."

For Coach DeCuire, giving him the extra year to get Akoh into top shape can only lead to good things.

"If we can get him in the best shape of his life, and correct a couple small things in terms of his skill set, I think he'll be an impact player for us right away."

University of Montana Athletics

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