Arizona transfer James Akinjo commits to Baylor

Baylor's national title defense got a major boost Friday as Arizona transfer James Akinjo announced his commitment to the program.

A 6-foot-1 point guard, Akinjo played his freshman season at Georgetown before transferring to Arizona midway through his sophomore campaign.

Akinjo broke out in his lone year in Tucson, averaging a career-high 15.6 points per game along with 5.4 assists while shooting 40.8% from deep. He led Arizona in points, assists, steals, and 3-pointers made.

Because the move to Baylor will be Akinjo's second college transfer, he won't be eligible next season. But the NCAA could potentially grant him a waiver to play immediately.

With star guards Jared Butler and Davion Mitchell declaring for the NBA draft, Baylor's projected 2021-22 roster lacked an experienced floor general. But with Akinjo in tow alongside breakout March Madness role players Adam Flagler, Matthew Mayer, and Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua, Baylor has positioned itself to once again compete for a national title.