J.P. Tokoto weighs new offers: Kentucky, Michigan State
Words. Jason Jordan
Menomonee Falls (Wis.) forward J.P. Tokoto is a man on a mission.
He’s already led the Indians to their first-ever Greater Metro Conference title since 1993, averaging 18.5 points, seven rebounds, four assists, three blocks and three steals a game, and this weekend he leads his team to their first-ever appearance in the Wisconsin state tournament.
“We’re ready,” said Tokoto, a 6-7 sophomore. “Everyone is really focused on what our goals are. We’re all on the same page. We’re putting in a lot of hard work.”
Tokoto took a break from prepping for the state tourney to talk with us about rumors, colleges, and whether or not he’s graduated to the 21st century.
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HighSchoolHoop: So we know all about you balling out of control this season, but what about the recruitment? Anything changed?
J.P. Tokoto: Well, I’ve got an offer from Michigan State and Kentucky now.
HSH: Run down the whole list to me.
JT: It’s those two, Minnesota, Duke, Marquette, Wisconsin, Iowa State, Indiana, Kansas, Iowa, Tennessee and North Carolina.
HSH: All offers I assume?
JT: Well, North Carolina has a policy not to offer sophomores, so they’re gonna wait until the summer.
HSH: Interesting. So we’ve been hearing some rumors since we last spoke. Are you going to commit to North Carolina as soon as they offer?
JT: (Laughs) No, no… That’s not true. But yes, I’ve heard that before. I’ve heard a lot of stuff.
HSH: What’s the craziest rumor that you’ve heard about yourself?
JT: I heard the one about my dad being paid off by UCLA and that I was already going to school there. It’s crazy.
HSH: So how do you handle hearing things that you know aren’t even remotely true?
JT: I just laugh it off. I mean, like you said, I know it’s not true. I don’t take it too seriously and if anyone asks about it I just clear it up. No big deal.
HSH: Let’s switch gears. The last time we talked you were stuck in the 1980s. Have you finally got a cell phone yet?
JT: (Laughs) No, still don’t have a cell phone.
HSH: Aww man, I was holding out hope. Are you on any of the social networks — Facebook, MySpace, Twitter?
JT: No, still not on that either.
HSH: Got an e-mail address yet?
JT: (Laughs Nah… But to be honest, I don’t have time for all that stuff.
HSH: I gotcha. But you’re a basketball star which means you must have plenty of friends. How do you keep in contact with them?
JT: (Laughs) I use my mom’s cell phone a lot. So I’m not missing out on too much. At least I don’t feel like I am.
HSH: Well, that’s all that matters. You still running with the Wisconsin Playground Warriors this spring?
JT: Yeah. Our first tournament is the Boo Williams. I’m concentrating on my season right now, but I’m definitely looking forward to the AAU season.
Got a burning question for Jason? Email him: JasonJ@DimeMag.com
my man doesnt have email?
It’s 2010, is this dude Amish?
I believe his parents haven’t allowed him to have one in an attempt to keep him grounded and concentrated on his studies. Probably also to keep recruiting cheaters *CoughCalipariCough* away.
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