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Standout 6-10 Center Commits to Texas Tech

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Timothy Hamm | Last updated Jan 7, 2025 6:53 PM ET

The Texas Tech Red Raiders continue their Big 12 schedule on Tuesday night on the road against BYU in Provo. And they'll soon have a new teammate.

Tech has received a commitment from 6-10, 215-pound center Marial Akuentok per 247Sports. Akuentok will leave For Erie (Ontario) International Academy while also reclassifying from the class of 2025 to 2024.

Akuentok plans to move to Lubbock and enroll in school this week and redshirt for the rest of the year. The commitment comes on the heels of a visit to Lubbock on New Year's Eve to watch the Red Raiders dispose of UCF.

"When I went on the visit it felt like a Ft. Erie away from Ft. Erie for me," Akuentok told 247Sports. "When I got there it was a calm and quiet place and that's what I like. I think it will allow me to focus on basketball. The coaches, I got to see all of them and talk to them. They are great guys, very genuine and I could feel that they really want me and really want me to do well in the program. It made me feel very comfortable being there.

"I'm currently injured so I thought going there early and them being able to take care of me and rehab me there would be a better opportunity. They have more resources to get me feeling better, healthier and on the court."

Akuentok has been battling injuries and will be considered a project for the Red Raiders.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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