Abiola Akintola signs with the University of Denver
Abiola Akintola has signed with University of Denver for the 2015/2016 season.
Credit: Kangaroo Photos/Basketball Australia
The 6'7 forward out of Melbourne has been a scholarship holder at Basketball Australia's National Centre of Excellence (CoE) for the past few years and has seen his development improve immensely over his time there. With the addition of a CoE men's squad in this year's SEABL competition, Akintola averaged a very respectable 3.5 ppg, 2.2 rpg & 0.8 apg in 12 games.
University of Denver Head Coach Joe Scott is looking for Akintola to contribute to the program for a number of years.
“We are pleased to have Abiola join the Pioneer basketball program, He will help bring size and skill to our team. We look forward to having him in Denver and watching him develop into a great student-athlete in the coming years.”
Akintola was also a key member for the Victoria Metro squad at the U18 Australian Junior Championships in April, averaging 17.8 ppg, 6 rpg & 1.5 apg on 73% FG & 83% FT. He was also our pick for the tournament MVP as he led his team to a 2nd straight gold medal at the event.
Abi Akintola as a member of the Australian U17 Goannas | Credit: FIBA, via Basketball Australia
Along with his success on a National level, Akintola has also been a regular contributor to the Australian U17 Men's squad throughout their 2-year campaign. As the starting power forward for the squad in the 2013 FIBA Oceania U17 Men's Championship series vs New Zealand, Akintola averaged 11.3 ppg & 6.7 rpg on 41% FG.
The subsequent FIBA U17 World Championship in Dubai saw Akintola average 3.6 ppg & 2.6 rpg in limited minutes off the bench as the Australian Goannas achieved an impressive 2nd place finish at the tournament.