AKRON, Ind. (WANE) – From Africa to Akron, the game of basketball has led Nigerian-born Stephen Akase to northeast Indiana where the junior-to-be at Tippecanoe Valley is turning heads for the Vikings.
A six-foot-seven forward, Akase came to the United States three years ago to be with his uncle, Joel Okafor. Okafor was an Indiana All-Star at Richmond High School, then played college basketball at Indiana Wesleyan and Bradley University.
While at Richmond, Okafor was coached by current Tippecanoe Valley head coach Joe Luce. When Akase arrived in the U.S. he first lived with Okafor, who then contacted Luce about taking in his nephew. Akase – whose parents are still in Nigeria – has lived with the Luce family ever since, and Luce says he and his wife are in the process of legally adopting Akase.
Having played less than three years of organized basketball, Luce says Akase is just scratching the surface of his potential. Last season as a sophomore he led the Vikings in scoring and rebounding, tallying better than 13 points and 8 rebounds a game.
Akase has garnered interested from some small schools, but says his goal is to play D1 basketball and earn his degree.
Source link : https://www.wane.com/high-school-sports/from-africa-to-akron-akases-amazing-hoops-journey/amp/
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Publish date : 2024-06-12 20:55:23
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