Georgetown adds James Akinjo and Omer Yurtseven

During his introductory press conference in April 2017, no one was more confident in Patrick Ewing’s ability to recruit than Patrick Ewing. One year later, Ewing is proving that his confidence was not misplaced, as the Georgetown Hoyas announced the signing of James Akinjo and Omer Yurtseven on Monday morning.

Akinjo, a 6-foot, 4-star guard, was previously committed to UCONN, but withdrew his commitment following Kevin Ollie’s firing on March 10. He averaged 18.7 points and 6.7 assists en route to earning MVP honors at last year’s Nike Peach Jam Tournament. He will bolster a Georgetown backcourt that recently lost Jonathan Mulmore and Trey Dickerson to graduation.

Yurtseven, a 7-foot transfer from NC State, will be eligible in the 2019-2020 season. He averaged 13.5 points and 6.7 rebounds per game last season with the Wolfpack, earning All-ACC Third Team honors. Although Jessie Govan declared for the NBA Draft last week, he has yet to sign an agent. Should Govan return for his senior season, Yurtseven’s arrival would provide Georgetown with an immediate replacement at center following Govan’s graduation.

Akinjo will join fellow point guard Mac McClung, forward Josh LeBlanc and center Grayson Carter as immediately-eligible freshmen for the 2018-19 season. In his first full season as head coach, Patrick Ewing has assembled the No. 3 recruiting class in the Big East. Georgetown still has one open scholarship spot available for next season.