Junior forward S.K. Shittu of Rogers Providence Christian Academy moved to the United States from Nigeria about two and half years ago and has been able to experience several things for the first time.
He and the 17-under Arkansas Hawks played in the Adidas FAB 48 in Las Vegas July 22-26.
“That was kind of cool, except the gambling and stuff,” Shittu said.
Shittu , 6-9, 200 pounds has scholarship offers from LSU, Oklahoma, Tulsa, Central Arkansas, Cornell and others. He was one of 95 that participated in the Arkansas position camp on Saturday and continued to show why he’s one of the best prospects in the state.
“They have really been keeping in touch with me and I really appreciate that,” said Shittu of Arkansas. “I am looking forward to when they offer me and I will really, really appreciate it.”
He communicates with Coach Mike Anderson and associate head coach Melvin Watkins on a regular basis.
“They check on me and make sure I am doing good,” Shittu said.
He’s humbled by his offers and attention from colleges.
“I just so much appreciate it,” Shittu said. “For college coaches to see a little bit of potential in me offer me and think I can be good, I just feel so privileged.”
Shittu doesn’t get all caught up with recruiting.
“Because of still have two more years of high school so I am just working hard on getting better,” he said.
He has become close with Providence Christian Academy Coach Austin Bivens, who is also his guardian.
“He is really, really nice,” Shittu said. “He is like my American dad right now. I live with him and he takes care of me. He is a really good person to be around.”
He has acquired a taste for American food and developed a weakness for powdered donuts before kicking the habit. His favorites include hamburgers and pepperoni pizza.
“I am really, really used to the food in the United States now,” Shittu said. “I still miss my home food from Nigeria, but I love the food right here.”
Shittu isn’t like most kids in America when it comes to the cell phone.
“I don’t have a phone and don’t think I need one,” Shittu said. “When I call Nigeria, I can just Skype with my family.”