Yabi Aklog
"| Eastside catholic| 6’11 2026 | 4⭐️| CELL :206-327-4646|"
Oregon State
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Scout Report
When a 6-10 center pulls up from three with confidence in AAU gyms, coaches stop their conversations and reach for their phones. That's been the story with Yabi Aklog all summer, as the Washington commit has been turning heads with a skill set that doesn't match his imposing frame.
Background
Growing up in Sammamish, a tech hub suburb east of Seattle, Aklog developed his game in the competitive Seattle AAU circuit where big men are taught to be versatile from an early age. His family immigrated from Ethiopia when he was young, bringing a strong work ethic that translated perfectly to the gym. Eastside Catholic has become a pipeline for Pacific Northwest talent, and Aklog represents the latest in their line of skilled big men who can play multiple positions.
Playing Style
Aklog operates with the confidence of a guard trapped in a center's body, regularly stepping out to the three-point line and making teams pay for sagging off. His decision-making is advanced for his age, particularly in pick-and-pop situations where he can either roll to the rim or step out for the jumper depending on how the defense reacts. Defensively, he uses his length well in the paint but still learning to anchor a defense consistently. He runs the floor surprisingly well for his size, giving his team easy transition buckets when he beats opposing centers down court. The motor runs hot most nights, though he can disappear for stretches when the game gets physical inside.
Strengths
The shooting ability is legitimate and separates him from most centers in his class. He's got a smooth stroke from beyond the arc that forces opposing big men to make uncomfortable decisions about whether to chase him out there. His athleticism allows him to finish above the rim in traffic, and he's shown flashes of being able to put the ball on the floor when closeouts get too aggressive. The combination of size, shooting, and mobility creates matchup problems that most high school teams simply can't solve.
Areas to Watch
Adding functional strength will be crucial for his development, as he can get pushed around by more physical players in the paint. His post game needs refinement if he wants to be more than just a stretch big at the college level. Consistency on the defensive end, particularly with help defense and communication, would turn him from a good player into a great one.
Player Comparison
Think a younger version of Kelly Olynyk during his Gonzaga days, with similar shooting range and court vision for a big man. Both players have that deceptive athleticism and ability to stretch defenses, though Aklog might have a slight edge in pure athletic ability. The key will be whether he develops the same basketball IQ and toughness that made Olynyk successful at the next level.
Recruitment
Aklog committed to Washington early in the process, choosing to stay home and play for the Huskies over offers from Seattle University and Portland. The early commitment allowed him to focus on development rather than the recruiting circus, which has paid dividends in his game. Mike Hopkins and the Washington staff see him as a cornerstone piece who can help them compete in the Big Ten, and his skill set fits perfectly with their uptempo style. The local connection and family ties made this an easy choice once the offer came through.
Projection
At Washington, he projects as a stretch four or small-ball five who can create spacing nightmares for opposing defenses in the Big Ten. His ceiling is that of a multi-year starter who could hear his name called in the NBA Draft if everything develops properly. The floor is still pretty high given his shooting ability, as that skill alone will keep him on the court even if other parts of his game don't fully materialize.
Updated Apr 6, 2026 · Analysis by PrepRadar Scouting Team
Career Journey
Eastside Catholic
PREP SCHOOL
Offers
3
WashingtonOffers sourced from 247Sports and social media monitoring.
Social Activity
The nation’s No. 1 player, Tyran Stokes leads Rainier Beach (WA) into a big-time rematch with Eastside Catholic (WA) in the MaxPreps Game of the Week 🏀 How to Watch ⬇️ https://t.co/oZ7gLvG97W https://t.co/plTrWnbqIh
How to watch: MaxPreps Game of the Week features showdown between Washington powers Rainier Beach and Eastside Catholic. 🏀🔥 Full story ⬇️ https://t.co/oZ7gLvG97W https://t.co/jN3MlsgxLA
@varsitywanews SCORING LEADERS EC - Aklog 35, McNeal 14 Beach - Stokes 31 (and 13 rebs), Crawford 24 @varsitywanews
@varsitywanews End 3Q - Beach 63, EC 60: Aklog had 18 in quarter including this buzzer beater. @varsitywanews https://t.co/RYnQUDpIFf