Auburn basketball: Predicting leaders for every major stat category

A three-star prospect out of the same high school as Okoro and Cooper, Babatunde “Stretch” Akingbola had to sit behind veterans Austin Wiley and Anfernee McLemore last season. Still, you would’ve liked to see the 6-foot-10 big man play more than 2.5 minutes per game in 13 total appearances.

At the same time, Akingbola was a true freshman and spent much of last season bulking up his frame. Built with a long wingspan and solid athleticism, Akingbola has the potential to be one of the SEC’s best rim protectors.

While he likely won’t offer too much on the offensive end, I could definitely see Akingbola put up around 1.5 blocks per game next season if he gets enough minutes.

The rising sophomore put up 0.4 blocks per game in very limited minutes and his per 40-minute stats give him an incredible 6.3 blocks per game last year.

Akingbola was recruited to Auburn to be a rim protector and that is what he will do. He will have to fight off players like Thor, Cardwell, Williams and Moore but I’m expecting the raw but talented big man to be an excellent shot-blocker next season.