WCC Basketball Recruiting Q&A: Arkadiy Mkrtychyan

It’s possible that you have not heard the name Akadiy Mkrtychyan, even though he was one of the main contributors for one of the best AAU teams in the Pacific Northwest, ICP Elite. Although it is easy to be overshadowed when you play on a team consisting of 3, 4, and 5-star recruits such as Kameron Chatman, Connecticut commit Daniel Hamilton, and Gonzaga commit Silas Melson, Mkrtychyan is certainly a player that deserves a lot more recognition. This 6’6”, 220 pound G-F is definitely a name to keep an eye out for as the 2014 recruiting year heats up.

Mkrtychyan plays his high school ball at Columbia Christian, a 1A school in Portland, Oregon. Last season, Mkrtychyan and Columbia Christian made it all the way to the state quarterfinals. I saw Mkrtychyan play at the Seattle Summer Showcase at Bellevue College in July, and his hustle and overall production on the basketball court stood out to me. He is an above-average rebounder, who can corral boards on the offensive and defensive glass. He is a scoring threat who can drive to the glass and knock down jumpers. Mkrtychyan does a lot of things well, and is an all-around solid player. I was able to ask Mkrtychyan a few questions about his AAU season, his upcoming senior year at Columbia Christian, and his recruitment.

1. How did the AAU season turn out for you and ICP Elite?

Last season wasn’t very good for ICP Elite. We were one game short from getting into the Peach Jam. We lost like 5-6 games to the teams we should have beat by at least 10 points.

2. Are you playing the upcoming high school basketball season with Columbia Christian again?

Yes, I’m going to play the upcoming high school season with Columbia Christian Knights.

3. What are some of your expectations for the high school basketball season?

I’m not going to make any expectations for my team, but I will say that everything is in our hands. We will have a really good team and I’m looking forward to the next season.

4. How has the recruiting process gone thus far?

I think it’s going pretty good. I have been getting a lot of looks from all over the country.

5. What schools are showing you the most interest? Have any schools offered?

Stony Brook, Weber State, Washington, Portland State, Oregon State, St. Mary’s, and Seattle have shown me the most interest. I have offers from Stony Brook, Weber State, Portland State, Oregon State, and Seattle.

Any visits planned?

No, I do not have any visits planned.

8. What position do you see yourself playing at the next level?

I want to play positions 2-4.

9. What aspects of your game are your biggest strengths and why?

Defense, passing, and bringing energy to the team. I think defense is the easiest thing to do on the floor. If you play good defense, you will get easy buckets. I love to share the ball as well.

10. What aspect of your game is your biggest weakness?

Focusing on every play.

11. Who has guided you through the recruiting process and why has he or she been so helpful?

My brother Allen, my high school coach Craig Moody, and my AAU coach Canaan Chatman. They all try to do the best for me. I trust them and I know they won’t let me down.

12. Fun question: If you had to compare yourself to an NBA player, past or present, who would it be?

I want to be like KD. He is the leader of his team and every teammate believes in him. He can play tremendous defense, which turns into easy buckets on offense. He brings energy to the team. I just love the way he plays.

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