J.P. Tokoto’s star is on the rise
Words. Jason Jordan
If there’s any truth to the cliché phrase that there are no guarantees in life, it’s even more accurate to say that, in the recruiting game, there are none. Still, rarities exist.
Take Menomonee Falls High (Wisc.) star forward J.P. Tokoto, a top five prospect in the class of 2012. When the time comes, don’t expect him to make a big announcement via Facebook or Skype or Ustream…
“I can guarantee that, because I don’t even have an e-mail account,” says Tokoto. “I don’t text or anything like that either because I don’t have a cell phone.”
He and his parents burst into laughter when, partially joking, I asked if they were Amish.
“Well, to be special you’ve got to have a special story to tell,” says Tokoto’s father, Trevor Trimble. “He’ll have a great story to tell because he’s making sacrifices now. It helps us keep him protected and focused on improving.”
We caught up with the Tokoto and his family to chat about everything from what NBA player he most resembles to what college games he’s planning to attend this season.
HighSchoolHoop: How was your AAU season with the Wisconsin Playground Warriors?
J.P. Tokoto: It went really well. I played with the 15’s, 16’s and 17’s, and I felt like I did pretty well. We won our state tournament and took second at the Hoop Festival then took second at the tournament in Louisville.
HSH: What did you average this past AAU season?
JT: Seventeen points, 11 rebounds and about four assists.
HSH: What did you average last year for your high school team as a freshman?
JT: Twelve points and nine rebounds per game. We lost in the sectional finals.
HSH: Some people say you’re the top sophomore in the country. Thoughts?
JT: That’s an honor, but right now I’m just trying to improve on my game all-around. It’s definitely a goal of mine to be the top player in the class.
HSH: What would you say is the strongest aspect of your game?
JT: Well, I like to get to the rim a lot, but I’ve actually started to pull-up more. I’ve been working on my jump shot. I post a lot, too.
HSH: Compare your game to an NBA player.
JT: A lot of people say that I remind them of Kevin Durant.
HSH: Nice. What schools have offered?
JT: Duke, Marquette, Wisconsin, Indiana, Tennessee, Kansas, Iowa State, Minnesota… I went to Duke’s camp this summer.
Trevor Trimble: That was a great weekend. We got a chance to meet with Coach Roy Williams the Friday before that Duke camp and then obviously head over to be with Coach K for a few days. It was a special treat for [J.P.] because he got a chance to spend a good amount of time with two great coaches. Coach Williams has taken the time to come here and we’ve had phone conversations with him and Coach K. Coach Williams told us that J.P. is the only 2012 prospect that he’s taken the time to come and visit and that he’s interested in. I only say that because it’s very humbling to have those great coaches and schools interested in him.
HSH: Talk to me about the no-cell-phone thing.
TT: Well, we’ve been able to see from afar the negative people trying to be involved in young kid’s lives. We don’t want him to be a part of that. All of his social interaction pretty much happens in our small community. We keep a small circle. It helps him to stay focused on academics. He’s on track to make the honor roll this semester. A lot of kids get caught up in the texting and all of that. Things are crazy — I actually had an NBA agent call me once and I could just imagine what would happen if J.P. had a cell phone. I had to tell the agent to please stop calling me because my son is just a sophomore in high school. We’re focused on academics and improving his game because all he wants to do is get better.
HSH: Your approach is refreshing. Most kids wait until the last minute to decide to cash in on the attention. What is your family’s plan for a decision?
TT: Our plan is to sit down and look at what makes sense for him. He’ll have his own thoughts by then. What we want to do as a family is to get out to as many schools as we can and talk to as many coaches as we can because when he makes a commitment we want it to be firm. We don’t want to see a de-commitment. I know that he wants to go somewhere where he can play. I know that. I just think that by waiting and gathering all the information it will give him the opportunity to make the best decision.
HSH: So do you have a timeline?
TT: We talked as a family about maybe deciding by spring of next year. After basketball season.
HSH: So probably by the time the AAU season starts?
TT: Oh yeah.
HSH: Any schools standing out right now?
JT: Not really. I’m open to everyone at this point.
HSH: So where do you get your skills?
JT: Well my dad played ball…
HSH: Interesting. Who wins one-on-one?
TT: I’m gonna let J.P. answer that one right now.
JT: I would win!
TT: Wow… I wish you could see him, Jason, because he’s laughing! He knows better. I’ll say this, it could go either way now.
HSH: OK, I’m not touching that one. So you said you want to get out and see some games, do you have any trips planned already?
TT: We’ll be at the Wisconsin-Duke game (Dec. 2) and we have plans to see the Duke-UNC game on Feb. 10. Then, depending on J.P.’s playoff schedule, we’re gonna try and catch Duke-UNC round two on March 6.
HSH: Now you know that if you make one and not the other, whichever team was at home will be your “favorite.”
TT: Yeah, we know all about it. And we really want to go to both of the games. We really do. But in March he may be playing the first round of the playoffs so that’s looking a little tough. If we can’t make it to the Duke-UNC game at Duke we will be going to another Duke game.
HSH: Any others?
TT: Well, Kentucky just called so we may try and get down there to see a game also.
HSH: Talk to me about the last name Tokoto.
JT: It’s West African.
TT: He’s named after his grandfather (Jean-Pierre). My wife’s father. His grandfather is from Cameroon and he won two World Cups. J.P. will carry on the Tokoto name.
Got a burning question for Jason? Email him: JasonJ@DimeMag.com
Just wanted to correct a misprint in the article. Jean-Pierre Tokoto (Grandfather) did not win two World Cups. He played in two World Cups for the Cameroun National Team and was team Captain…
he’s going to be a Tar Heel
my bro goz to schoolwith j.p and i go to all his games j.p be dunkin on every1 in sight i would doubt an nba spot for him
come on down to Duke bro, you know why the Heels wear baby blue.