Monday was Jahil Okafor’s birthday. He had a pretty good birthday.
Jahlil Okafor had a historic night against Elon
The Duke center was setting all kinds of freshman records Monday.
Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
Ricky O'Donnell has covered basketball at all levels for more than a decade at SB Nation. He’s currently the Associate Director of Programming.
Happy I got to celebrate my birthday with my brothers on the court tonight and with the best fans in the country! Thanks everyone!
— Jahlil Okafor (@BigJah15) December 16, 2014 Everyone knew Jahlil Okafor was going to be good. The Duke freshman was the No. 1 player in our top-100 countdown before ever playing a college game. More than one publication named him the preseason player of the year. On Monday against Elon, Okafor again proved he’s the most dominating physical presence in college basketball.
Okafor finished with 25 points, 20 rebounds and three blocks on 10-of-14 shooting from the floor in Duke’s 75-62 win. Here’s are a list of things he accomplished in doing so:
- First Duke freshman ever to have a 20-20 game.
- First Duke player to have a 20-20 game since Elton Brand in 1998.
- Joined Maryland’s Joe Smith as one of two freshman in ACC history to go 20-20.
- First Division I freshman to have at least 20 points, 20 rebounds and three blocks since Michael Beasley did it at Kansas State in 2007.
That’s the context, via ESPN Stats and Information. Here’s the visual evidence:
No, Okafor won’t be going against teams from the CAA at the next level, but this kind of domination is still impressive. Enjoy Jahlil Okafor in college while you still can.
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