The Elks have played a difficult nonconference schedule and are 9-8. They are 7-1 and in first place in the GWOC American Division, but Njie is out of action until at least Jan. 31 because of a sprained ankle. However far the Elks go in tournament play, that’s how long it will be before he begins to seriously think about where he wants to go to college.
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There are at least seven programs that have made a scholarship offer: Dayton, Xavier, Providence, Toledo, VCU, Akron and Illinois State.
“It’s going to depend on the coach and how he handles his program, how he handles players and his relationships with them,” Njie said. He has a checklist of specifics that will help him decide which coaching staff will handle the program and help him develop into the player and person he wants to become.
Developing as a player is the most obvious commodity Njie is seeking. He is a 6-foot-9 post player, and his offensive skill is where he wants to grow the most. He’s averaging 14 points a game this year, but that’s mostly against smaller players.
“There are going to be guys that are taller than me, maybe wider than me, probably playing more physical than I am,” he said. “So just being more physical and taking it to the rim every time.”
Elks coach Brook Cupps sees a lot of potential for Njie to improve his ability to score in the post with his back to the basket.
“It’s a move and a counter move and being comfortable and consistent with that,” Cupps said. “He’s got to be able to do that, especially when he gets mismatches he’s got to be able to score.”
Njie also wants to get more comfortable with the ball in his hands away from the basket, to develop his jump shot and to be able to attack the basket better while facing it.
“I don’t think there’s any doubt that after two years of college he’s going to look like a completely different player,” Cupps said.
Cupps and Njie agree that defense is his strong suit. Early in the Elks’ game at the Premier Health Flyin’ To The Hoop event last weekend against a big and physical AZ Compass prep team, Njie protected the rim and got his hand on two shots before an ankle injury took him out. He said he loved the challenge of playing against a lot of players his size.
“Mo changes the game defensively more than anything,” Cupps said. “He’s college ready on defense.”
Once Njie determines which coaches can develop his skill the best, he will look at what those coaches can do for him off the court.
“I want to go to a school that’s going to help me increase my development as a player and also teach me life skills about what it means to be part of a team,” Njie said. “That’s what Coach Cupps instills into us. It’s not only basketball stuff he tries to teach us but also life skills. How to be good men and how to live our lives properly.”
On college visits he is also grading his future teammates. He wants to see a culture of players who want to be there and to get better.
“I want to surround myself with those guys,” he said. “Because we all have one goal – to go professional.”
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