It’s been quite the week for Whitney Young’s Jahlil Okafor. The nation’s number one recruit is fresh off an IHSA Class 4A State Championship and today was named the McDonald’s Morgan Wootten Player of the Year.
Just add this to the list of things Okafor has accomplished in his high school career.
The 6-foot-11 center averaged 24.1 points and 11.3 rebounds during his senior season as he dominated play throughout the year. Okafor is committed to be a Duke Blue Devil next year. He will follow in the foot steps of fellow Chicagoan and former Simeon star Jabari Parker, who won this award last season.
“Personally I felt like Duke was the best fit for me. I felt most comfortable going to Duke and playing for Coach K,” said Okafor. “It was a very hard decision. It wasn’t easy for me but I’m happy with my decision.”
Okafor has been a treat to watch in his high school career and winning the state championship was something he’s strived for since he started his career at Whitney Young.
Now Okafor will be playing his final high school game in Chicago next week in the McDonald’s All American Game at the United Center. Okafor will join fellow Chicago players Cliff Alexander (Kansas) and Tyler Ulis (Kentukcy) in the game.
There’s no better way for Okafor to end his high school career in Chicago than an all-star game at the United Center. Especially with how much the game means to the city and players.
“Every time I step on the floor, I look to put Chicago in a positive limelight,” said Okafor. “It’s a great feeling for me to know I’m shedding some positive light on the city of Chicago.”