Tokoto to Announce Choice of College Thursday, Could Transfer for Senior Year

Menomonee Falls basketball star J.P. Tokoto plans to end all the speculation and announce what college he will attend in 2012 at a press conference 10 p.m. Thursday night at Dave & Buster’s Restaurant on Mayfair Road in Wauwatosa.

But as far as Falls hoops fans are concerned, the bigger news is that the junior phenom may decide not to play for the Indians next year.

While the decision of what college to attend has already been made, Tokoto's dad, Trevor Trimble, told Menomonee Falls Patch that what his son will do in 2011 remains up in the air. When asked, Trimble said that transferring from Menomonee Falls to play at another school is a possibility.

“We’re going to take a long look at that and do what’s best for J.P.,” Trimble said. “We’re in the process of evaluating that right now. We won’t sacrifice academics, but J.P. has a special gift and has an opportunity to do great things.”

As far as college is concerned, the 6-6, 190-pound junior forward had recently released his eight schools he had been considering:  Connecticut, Kansas, Kentucky, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Marquette, Maryland and UCLA.

The original time frame was for the decision to be made at the end of the season. However, Tokoto has already made up his mind and is prepared to make the announcement.

“Our purpose was to get this done early,” Trimble said. “We know it’s still a business for the coaches and they have roster spots they need to fill. We respect that. We knew that we did not want this to go any further.”

The recruiting rush for Tokoto, a terrifically talented basketball player who is also a solid student, has been going on for two seasons. Tokoto became a national figure in basketball recruiting circles between his freshman and sophomore years at Falls when coaches such as Roy Williams of North Carolina, Bill Self at Kansas and Kentucky coach John Calipari were wowed by him during summer basketball in 2009.

“We had to get a grasp on this early,” said Trimble about the recruiting process. “He’s been dealing with this for two years.”

 However, few schools have shown as much interest in Tokoto as North Carolina. Williams has traveled to watch Tokoto in action several times the past two years, including an appearance at the Brandon Jennings Invitational in January when Falls played Abraham Lincoln High School of Brooklyn.

Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan has also been a frequent visitor, coming to watch Tokoto play against Brookfield East and Brookfield Central.

According to Trimble, Tokoto has not made any official trips, but has made unofficial visits to watch North Carolina and Wisconsin play this season.

Tokoto is averaging 20.4 points and 10 rebounds per game for the Indians this season. His signature game this season came against West Allis Central on Jan. 7 when he scored 32 points and grabbed 19 rebounds in an 82-59 victory. Tokoto also put together a spectacular performance together against Brookfield East, when he scored 32 points in a 68-48 victory on Feb. 4.

In Tokoto’s sophomore season, the Indians went 21-4 in a season that ended in a two-point loss to eventual state champion. This year, Falls finished 11-11.  They will face Wauksha South in the Regional tournament Saturday.