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BAK BAK: DOUBLE DOUBLE?

By Rick Staudt
rickstaudt@bellsouth.net
July 18, 2008

Some players are known by a single name alone: Magic, Bird, Kobe, LeBron. Others by their initials: AI, KG, CP3. Nicknames abound: D-Wade, Stat, 'Melo. Then there is the player that can only be called by his name because, well, his name is unique: Bak Bak.

While to Americans it admittedly may sound funny, the 6-9 BF out of Village Christian in Sun Valley, Calif. -- by way of the Sudan -- has a game that is anything but. "He didn't play last year in Californian due to transfer rules," said Double Pump Elite Coach Robert Icart. "One of the Pump brothers said he was the most skilled African player he has seen at this stage of his development. Normally, they are all athletic but raw skill-wise. Bak is very talented and very hungry to play after sitting out the year."

Despite his time away from the court, college coaches have had no trouble keeping track of him. Now that he is on the circuit, coaches at all levels are tantalized by his skills and potential.

"He's drawing serious interest from some high-major schools," said Icart. "Oregon State, Gonzaga, Nevada, UNLV, USC, Arizona State, UConn, Boston College, Louisville and Texas have all been mainstays at our games. I'd say the schools that are on him the hardest are Oregon State, Gonzaga and USC. Bak Bak definitely wants to visit five schools before he decides. It's just a matter of cutting down that list."

Icart insists that Bak can play any of the three frontcourt positions and that people are really surprised what the kid can do on the court.

"First and foremost, Bak Bak has good post moves," said Icart. "He's quick off of his feet and has a soft touch around the rim. He passes very well on the move, which is something that most big men can't do. He has good range on his jumper and a quick high release. The kid really has a knack for scoring. It is effortless for him."

While he is still growing into his body and needs to add strength, Icart believes that his players best days are certainly ahead of him.

"He's getting his confidence back every time out. When you're gone from the game for as long as he was, it takes time to shake the rust off and get back to where you want to be. For Bak, it will be a matter of honing his skills as he gets stronger. He wants to play early and play at a high level of competition in college. Once he gets into a college-level strength and conditioning program and skills training, he should really excel."