6'7" 18yo Roor Akhuar commits to Fordham

Emerging talent Roor Akhuar has committed to joining the Fordham Rams for the 2025-26 season, with the signing marking another successful international recruitment for Head Coach Mike Magpayo, who continues to build a diverse roster with global talent.

Just two years ago, Akhuar was finding his feet representing Wyndham in Melbourne's western suburbs. His rise since then has been nothing short of remarkable. The 18-year-old forward, who stands at 201cm, has transformed from a local club player to an international prospect in a remarkably short timeframe.

"I didn't even think it was going to happen," Akhuar told the Star Weekly. "Making the Vic team and then the Australian team. It was crazy to me, I never thought I would play. I was just playing with my local club and rep basketball, I didn't even think I had a chance."

What makes Akhuar's story particularly compelling is that he only began playing representative basketball in top age under-16s. This late start highlights his natural talent and tremendous potential, which caught the attention of Basketball Victoria selectors who named him to the Vic Metro under-18 side for the 2024 national championships.

Centre of Excellence Development

Following his selection to the Vic Metro team, Akhuar received a coveted scholarship to Basketball Australia's Centre of Excellence (COE) in Canberra, the renowned development program that has produced numerous Australian basketball stars. He relocated to Canberra in January to immerse himself in the program's intensive training environment.

"It's cold but it's good," Akhuar said of his move to the nation's capital. "It's a better place for improvement. We train for an hour and half every day including gym sessions. I get to play against the best and you learn a lot from them too."

The COE has provided Akhuar with structured development opportunities that have accelerated his growth as a player. During the 2025 NBL1 season, he has appeared in eight games for the Centre of Excellence, averaging 8.9 points and 4.9 rebounds in just over 16 minutes per contest—impressive numbers that reflect his efficiency and productivity in limited playing time.

National Experience

Akhuar's development at the COE led to his selection for the Australian "Crocs" team at the 2024 FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup. On the international stage, he contributed 6.4 points and 4.7 rebounds per game, gaining valuable experience competing against the world's best young players.

The tournament provided Akhuar with a platform to showcase his abilities against elite international competition, further raising his profile among college scouts and coaches.

"I was amazed to be honest, all the hard work has paid off," he said regarding his national team selection. "I knew it [being at the COE] would help, but I always had that doubt in my mind. I just started playing with my state not that long ago. These guys have been playing for years."

Coach Magpayo's Vision

Fordham Head Coach Mike Magpayo has been particularly strategic in his international recruitment efforts, with Akhuar becoming the third Australian and sixth international commitment for the Rams ahead of the 2025-26 season. The signing reinforces Magpayo's global approach to building his roster.

"Roor comes from the famed Centre of Excellence in Australia, which produces some of the best coached and most skilled basketball players in the region," said Magpayo. "Roor has great positional size for a wing, elite athleticism, and big time shot making ability. Most importantly, Roor is a high character young man who the Fordham Community will love."

Akhuar will join fellow Australian and Centre of Excellence graduate Abass Bodija at Fordham, potentially providing both players with a familiar connection as they adjust to American college basketball.

Beyond his basketball abilities, Magpayo emphasised Akhuar's character as a key factor in his recruitment. "Most importantly, Roor is a high character young man who the Fordham Community will love," the coach noted.

A Rapid Rise from Humble Beginnings

What makes Akhuar's journey particularly compelling is how quickly it has unfolded. Just two years ago, he didn't even try out for Wyndham's youth league side, believing he wouldn't make the team. Now, he's preparing to compete at the Division I level in NCAA basketball.

"I started organised basketball when I was about eight," Akhuar explained, tracing his basketball roots back to his childhood. His connection to Wyndham remains strong, and he had hoped to be part of their championship side this year before his basketball journey took him elsewhere.

Akhuar is part of a growing cohort of talented players emerging from the Wyndham association. The under-18 team he previously played with recently competed at the National Junior Classic, a tournament he had hoped to participate in before his basketball commitments took him to higher levels of competition.

What Akhuar Brings to Fordham

At 201cm, Akhuar possesses excellent size for a wing player, combined with the athleticism and shooting ability that Coach Magpayo highlighted. His performance in NBL1 competition, where he competed against older and more experienced players, demonstrates his ability to contribute immediately at the collegiate level.

Akhuar's international experience with the Australian U17 team adds another dimension to his game. Competing against diverse playing styles and in high-pressure situations has accelerated his basketball IQ and adaptability—qualities that will serve him well as he transitions to college basketball.

The forward's rapid development curve suggests that his best basketball is still ahead of him. Having started representative basketball relatively late, Akhuar is still discovering the extent of his capabilities, making him an intriguing prospect with tremendous upside.