Men's Basketball | 1/17/2025 12:00:00 PM

BALTIMORE, Md. (Jan. 17, 2025) -- Senior forward Daniel Akitoby has established himself as a formidable presence in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, particularly through his rebounding and shot-blocking ability.  

Standing at an agile 6-foot-9, Akitoby combines athleticism with keen court awareness, allowing him to anticipate opposing players' moves and disrupt their offensive plays. 

Each block he makes not only sends a message to the opposing team but also sparks the crowd, turning the momentum of the game in favor of his squad. His determination and work ethic are evident and Morgan State head coach Kevin Broadus points out that it all starts in practice where he continuously hones his skills to perfect his timing and positioning.

Coach Broadus recently touched on the significant progress made by Akitoby, emphasizing his newfound confidence on the court. 

"Comfortable, he's way more comfortable than from year one to year two," Broadus noted, reflecting on Akitoby's transformation. 

This comfort level has translated into a more fluid playing style, allowing him to navigate the game with ease. Broadus pointed out that Akitoby's improved performance is not just a personal achievement but also contributes to the overall cohesion of the team. "Everything's just easygoing and everybody's locked in," he remarked.

The Fairfax, Virginia product has started in 15 of 20 games played and is averaging 8.4 points a game, 6.4 rebounds — ranks No. 2 in the league -- helping Morgan rank No. 2 in team rebounds (36.4 avg), No. 1 in defensive rebounds (24.8) and No. 3 in offensive rebounds (11.6).

Akitoby has had some solid individual performances this season. One of his most notable performances came on December 1, when he recorded a career-high 18 points alongside 16 rebounds in a thrilling matchup against Central Penn.  He collected 10 boards with six blocked shots during the Bears win against N.C. Central (Jan. 7). His consistent performance has led to five double-doubles in points and rebounds. Additionally, Akitoby ranks fifth in the league with 17 blocked shots, further solidifying his reputation as an intimidating defensive presence.

Akitoby's recent recognition as MEAC Defensive Player of the Week (Jan. 13) underscores his pivotal role on the court and highlights his dedication to defensive excellence. 

"Getting Defensive Player of the Week means a lot," said Akitoby. "It's great to see others recognize my work on the court." 

Akitoby elaborated on his approach, saying, "It's about blocking shots, being aggressive, and anticipating plays. For example, in the last game, I anticipated a pass to the right side, deflected it, got the steal, and scored a layup."

Akitoby's approach to defense centers on disrupting the opposing team's rhythm, which he accomplishes through an array of tactics. "I focus on anticipating loose balls, getting steals, blocking shots, deflections—just being as disruptive as possible,' he stated. 

With a focus on timing, he understands that blocking shots is crucial, remarking, "It's all about getting my timing right."

"Blocking shots is key—it's all about getting my timing right," he added. "When it comes to rebounding, I crash the glass every time a shot goes up, staying aggressive and boxing people out."

Furthermore, Akitoby has honed his skills significantly from when he first came to Morgan. 

"From year one to year two, I've improved by getting stronger and more athletic, which has made a big difference," he said. This transformation underscores his relentless work ethic and desire to elevate his game.

Beyond the statistics, Akitoby's impact on the game transcends mere numbers; he inspires his teammates to elevate their performance. His presence in the paint instills a sense of confidence among his fellow players, knowing they have a defensive anchor who can thwart their opponents' best efforts. 

Redshirt senior guard Kameron Hobbs highlighted the vital role Akitoby plays in the team's defensive efforts, emphasizing the strong bond they share on the court.

"He's got my back, and I've got his. We help each other."

Their synergy was particularly evident during a standout week when Hobbs was named Player of the Week and Akitoby earned the title of Defensive Player of the Week. Reflecting on this achievement, Hobbs expressed a sense of pride in their contributions, stating, "It was just that connection, like, 'Yeah, we're really doing it.  We're really putting on for Morgan.'"

Hobbs expressed how Akitoby's defensive presence creates an additional layer of difficulty for opposing players. 

"When people come down and try to get by me, they still have a whole other challenge—just to get the basket through him," he stated, highlighting the dual threat that they present on defense. Akitoby's relentless energy and play significantly bolster the team's overall defensive performance, as Hobbs acknowledges that their ongoing improvement in this area is largely due to Akitoby's contributions.

As he continues to refine his craft, Akitoby is not just building a reputation as a dominant shot-blocker; he is also playing a vital role in his team's overall success., one rebound and one block at a time.

Akitoby and the Bears are set to make a highly anticipated return to action on Saturday, January 25, as they gear up for an electrifying conference home matchup against their crosstown rivals, the Coppin State Eagles. Tip-off at Hill Field House is set for 4 p.m.


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ABOUT MORGAN
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified doctoral research institution offering more than 100 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland's Preeminent Public Urban Research University, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.