Josh Akognon
[2] Akognon attended Casa Grande High School in Petaluma where he played organized basketball for the first time during his freshman season.An ankle injury to starter Derrick Low forced Akognon to play more, and he responded by scoring 27 points, including the game-winning three-pointer and clinching free throws, in a 78–71 upset of Brandon Roy-led Washington.Akognon transferred to Cal State Fullerton where he was eligible to play for two years at the beginning of the 2007–08 season.[7] Despite an injury to his shooting hand suffered against UC-Davis, Akognon shot just under 40% from three-point range and 90% from the free throw line.While from a team standpoint the Titans failed to match their 2007–08 success, Akognon performed brilliantly in the face of countless, hounding defenses designed to slow him down.Josh was named the 2008–09 Big West Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Year, averaging 23.9 points per game, good for 8th in the nation.Josh also set a Big West Tournament scoring record with 37 points in a first round win over UC Riverside that included 9 three-pointers.He was also one of 50 players on the early season watch list for the James Naismith Award (given to the top player in college basketball), and named to the early season list for the Bob Cousy Award (given to the top point guard in college basketball).Throughout the season, Akognon displayed his scoring, dribbling, creativity and playmaking ability, delighting fans across the Chinese mainland.Despite the influx of pro talent, Akognon continued his strong play and confirmed his standing as one of the most outstanding players in the CBA.The Charge made it to the playoffs with a 27 - 23 record and defeated the Springfield Armor in the First Round 2 - 1, but Akognon only played in the first game of the series on April 13th.[31] Akognon was part of the Nigeria national basketball team that competed in the 2006 FIBA World Championship in Japan.[32] Akognon is married to Ariana Scales who played on the Washington State Cougars women's basketball team.