NCPreps Hoops Intro: Christ Essandoko
French born players have had success adapting to the American basketball game. You have the likes of Tony Parker, Rudy Gobert, Boris Diaw, Evan Fournier and others who have successfully transitioned from France, and played at a high level in the United States. 6’11” 2022 Christ Essandoko came to the United States, from Paris, France, just within the last 4 weeks and already he is picking up high major offers and the likes.
Nestled in an unassuming campus, Winston Salem Christian School is in its first year of having a national basketball program. Head Coach Antonio Lowe took his Moravian Prep program to an independent school state title last season, and sent Shakeel Moore to NC State, Javarzia Belton to Southern Miss and Josh Hall to the NBA. He then decided to play his hand at Winston Salem Christian.
Lowe has a handful of Division 1 players, but they wil all be centered around Christ Essandoko, the 6’11” French born junior.
Why We Like Him
It’s the skill set mainly. However, Essandoko is pushing seven feet tall and he weighs 260 pounds with long arms and broad shoulders. So he passes the eye test the second he steps off the bus. But he also has a look that lets one believe he is truly a junior in high school.
Once Essandoko steps on the floor, his IQ and skill are anything but that of a typical junior in high school. His greatest attribute may, in fact, be his passing and his vision. He is able to throw all the passes, whether it be from the block, on the break or initiating out of the high post. Left hand, right hand, no look, he has the entire arsenal in his bag. It will be interesting to see Coach Lowe’s creative juices flow this season as you are truly able to do many things with him on the floor.
When asked, Essandoko will say that he models his game after Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic, and it is easy to see those results. Essandoko is a good area rebounder, he can shoot the ball extending beyond the 3-point arc and his footwork on the block would make George Mikan give a thumbs up.
Again, why do we like him, it is the frame to go along with the skill.
Recruiting Situation
As we mentioned before, Essandoko has only been in the United States for less than four weeks. However, in that time frame he has picked up offers from the likes of Rutgers and Wake Forest most recently, added to San Diego State, North Carolina A&T, South Florida, New Mexico and others.
Still an unknown commodity, once college coaches lay eyes on him, expect the offers to continue to flow in. Same with the national rankings people, expect those to come as well. One thing is for sure Essandoko will be firmly planted in the conversation for top prospect in North Carolina’s 2022 class from here on out.