2022 Christ Essandoko has been regarded as one of the top bigs in North Carolina since coming over to the states. Essandoko has only improved and taken his game to another level with his size, feel, and unique skillset. It is why so many programs starting recruiting him hard over the last few months.
Recently though, Essandoko announced his Top 7 schools which include Maryland, Georgetown, Illinois, Providence, NC State, Seton Hall, and Oral Roberts. We spoke with the big man from NC to get his thoughts on the upcoming season, what he likes about each school, and upcoming visits or decision timeframe.
Phenom: How has your game improved since arriving in North Carolina and where are you looking to continue to improve'
Essandoko: My game has improved in general and in a lot of areas. But the thing that stands out is the pace. I figured out how to play and how to put myself in better positions.
Phenom: What is your excitement this season with Winston Salem Christian' How big of a factor do you think you can be and your overall feeling about the team'
Essandoko: My excitement is really high. We want to bounce back from last year and I can be a big factor. I got to step up on every aspect to help us get that state championship.
Phenom: Recruitment has gone well. What have schools been saying they like about your game'
Essandoko: They like my versatility. Great IQ, good passer, able to shoot the ball, dribble, good post moves, and block shots.
Phenom: You announced your Top 7 the other day of Maryland, Georgetown, Illinois, Providence, NC State, Seton Hall, and Oral Roberts. What stands out or do you like about each' And have you been able to visit'
Maryland: Coach Turgeon got the reputation to put bigs in the league and now he added Danny Manning in the coaching staff. They can help me in my development. I love the campus during the visit.
Georgetown: Obviously, Patrick Ewing as a head coach can help me also. They showed me love for a couple of months now.
Illinois: They always are talking to me about the success they had with Kofi and they know what I need to work on to get to the next level.
Providence: I went on the visit in June and Coach Cooley is recruiting me hard and I talked a lot with Nate Watson. They already got a plan on how my game can translate with the program.
NC State: Took an unofficial visit in June and I loved Coach Keats and the coaching staff. Plus, it is in North Carolina.
Seton Hall: They play through the bigs and they have been recruiting me for more than a year now.
Oral Roberts: They have been recruiting me since April 2020. I have a good relationship with their coaching staff and that is a good fit.
Phenom: Do you have any other visits coming up'
Essandoko: Probably Seton Hall, Illinois, and Oral Roberts are next.
Phenom: When do you think you will ultimately decide'
Essandoko: I will be committing very, very soon.
