Five-star recruit Emmanuel Akot commits to Arizona

The University of Arizona Wildcats added another touted recruit to their ranks Thursday, with Scout.com reporting that 2018 five-star forward Emmanuel Akot verbally committed to the program.

The small forward from Utah had several offers from notable programs, but felt best with the atmosphere of Arizona, where he had an official visit on Feb, 25.

“My parents and I got a real good feel for the university and the coaching staff,” Akot said. “Their style of player fits me. I can do what I do well. They put players in the NBA and that’s where I want to go and that’s why I’m picking Arizona.”

Website 247Sports ranks Akot as the 18th prospect in the class of 2018, as well as the fourth-best small forward and best prospect in the state. The 6-foot-7, 190-pound wing drew eyes from scouts because of his versatility on the perimeter.

Akot had offers from Pac-12 rival Oregon as well as his hometown Utah Utes before joining the Wildcats. He played for Canada in the FIBA U17 World Championships last summer, playing seven games and putting up 9.9 points and 2.9 rebounds per outing.

Akot’s commitment marks the first name for Arizona’s 2018 recruiting class. The Wildcats (27-4) already rank third in 2017 recruiting, now with at least one five-star coming the year after.