About ME.
My name is james akinjo
James Akinjo, born on November 27, 2000, in Oakland, California, is an American professional basketball player known for his skills as a point guard. He had a notable college basketball career across multiple universities before transitioning to the professional arena.
Early Life and High School Career
Raised in the challenging environment of Oakland, California, Akinjo faced significant personal hardships, including the loss of his mother to leukemia during his early childhood and the subsequent passing of his brother when he was 13. Despite these adversities, he found solace and purpose in basketball, drawing inspiration from NBA player Chris Paul. Akinjo attended Salesian College Preparatory in Richmond, where he excelled on the court, averaging 20.7 points and 5.2 assists per game in his senior year, leading his team to a 30–2 record and securing the CIF North Coast Section Division III title.
College Career
Akinjo’s collegiate journey began at Georgetown University (2018–2019), where he made an immediate impact by averaging 13.4 points and 5.2 assists per game as a freshman, earning the Big East Freshman of the Year award. After a brief stint in his sophomore year, he transferred to the University of Arizona (2020–2021). At Arizona, he continued to showcase his talent, averaging 15.6 points and 5.4 assists per game, which led to First Team All-Pac-12 honors. Seeking further development, Akinjo transferred to Baylor University for the 2021–2022 season. There, he maintained strong performance metrics with 13.5 points and 5.8 assists per game, contributing to Baylor’s successful season and earning First Team All-Big 12 recognition.
Professional Career
After declaring for the 2022 NBA Draft and going undrafted, Akinjo joined the Atlanta Hawks for the NBA Summer League. He subsequently signed with the New York Knicks but was waived shortly after, leading him to play for their G League affiliate, the Westchester Knicks, for the 2022–2023 season. In September 2023, his rights were traded to the Stockton Kings, the G League affiliate of the Sacramento Kings. Following a brief tenure, Akinjo was traded to the Wisconsin Herd in February 2024, where he continues to develop his professional career.
Personal Life
Akinjo’s resilience and determination are deeply rooted in his challenging upbringing. Raised primarily by his grandmother due to familial hardships, he has overcome significant personal losses and adversities. His journey from the streets of North Richmond to professional basketball serves as a testament to his perseverance and dedication to the sport.
Akinjo
Academy
Mission Statement
Our mission is to uplift and empower the youth of Oakland by providing them with the guidance, discipline, and resources needed to break free from the cycle of violence and hardship. By showing kids they can achieve success without turning to the streets, we strive to build a stronger, safer community and create lasting change for future generations.
Community Outreach Summer Camp
I am proud to announce the launch of my community outreach basketball camp in the summer of 2025, aimed at positively impacting the streets of Oakland, California, and surrounding areas. My mission is rooted in the belief that our future begins with empowering young people. By showing children that they can achieve their dreams without resorting to the streets, we can work together to create a stronger, safer, and more thriving community.
The camp will serve youth ages 9 to 18. As someone who grew up in Oakland and lost two uncles to gun violence, I understand the challenges many children face in similar circumstances. My personal experiences with tragedy have fueled my passion to make a difference in the lives of those who are navigating the same struggles I once did.
Through this initiative, our goal is to utilize basketball as a platform for teaching discipline, resilience, and teamwork, while providing the tools necessary for success both on and off the court. By equipping the next generation with these essential skills, we aim to create lasting positive change and prepare them to become productive, empowered members of society.
Empower
change
Tulum, Mexico
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Partners
Thank you to our incredible partners whose unwavering support and dedication make it possible for us to empower and uplift the lives of our youth through the transformative power of sports.
BEAST MODE
Apparel
Evolve Athletic Performance