Former Northfleet Technology College Basketball Academy student Daniel Akin is enjoying a stand-out year across the pond for California Baptist University.

He is currently leading the American university in both points and rebounds at 12.9 points and 8.3 rebounds per contest in the Western Athletic Conference.

Since leaving the school in 2016, the former Academy student has had success, winning the Division 1 men’s title and EABL final’s MVP with Barking Abbey.

He then signed a full scholarship for the University of Maryland Baltimore County, where he spent four years with his team, making the National NCAA tournament in 2018 where his team upset the No.1 seed Virginia in the first round.

The former England under-18s and Great Britain under-20s player has moved on to his postgraduate programme at California Baptist University, where he is leading all European players in the NCAA for true shooting percentage.

Akin said: “This season has been a good test for being on a different team and in a different role, and also trying to be the best leader I can be at all times.

“These tests have helped develop my game a lot, (and) also my perspective on everyday things off the court.”

Former coach Martin Parry said: “We are extremely proud of what Dan has achieved and continues to achieve.

“We look forward to what his team can achieve this season and where basketball will take him next in his career.”

If you wish to follow in the footsteps of Akin, Northfleet Technology College Basketball Academy will host their annual trials on Thursday from 11am until 3pm.

To book a place, contact Academy head coach Parry on parrym@ntc.kent.sch.uk