BY ZACH SMART
Scoring on catch-and-dunk sequences, via evolving back to the rim arsenal, and finishing with his off hand between a defender and the rim, Class of 2027 New Heights Center Kamsi Awaka was operating like a traditional, 1990s NBA big man during Adidas 3SSB 17U championships.
His defensive instincts and tenacity, however, is where he really thrived.
Awaka was named Defensive MVP in the 17U All Circuit Awards, as he averaged nearly four blocks per game as New Heights ripped off five consecutive victories.
After earning an offer from Providence several days ago, the 6-foot-10 stock rising Blair Academy (NJ) behemoth added an offer from University of Florida yesterday.
As a jumbo-sized, true big, Awaka has the upside to ultimately emerge into a similar threat as current Florida Center Reuben Chinyelu.
Chinyelu, a 6-foot-10, 265-pound bulldozer, averaged 10.9 points and 11.2 boards for the Gators this past season.
After testing the NBA Draft waters, Chinyelu opted to withdraw and return to Gainesville, Fla.
In heading back to U of F for a heavily anticipated senior season, he forms a radiant frontline alongside a pair of weathered, highly proven veterans in Alex Condon and Thomas Haugh.
UConn, which offered Awaka two months ago, was on hand to see him during 3SSB championships, as Danny Hurley was among a handful of high major coaches in attendance.
The younger brother of former Cardinal Hayes (NY) star and Arizona big man Tobe Awaka, Kamsi Awaka is flushed into a prominent role at Blair Academy next season.
“Literally, the physically strongest guy I’ve ever coached here,” Blair Academy head coach Joe Mantegna said of Awaka.
“Now that he’s playing with more physicality, he’s becoming dominant. As you know with human nature, once you learn how to dominate then you always want to dominate.”
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