John Wilkins '24 Recruiting Profile

Elementary school is when I fell in love with playing basketball. Early on, I knew I wanted to go to college. I knew good grades and basketball could be a way to earn a scholarship to a university that would challenge me academically and athletically.

I am a good fit for most teams because I am a team player.  Although I have earned MVP many times for my school teams and tournaments, I recognize that all my teammates are valuable, too. I recognize that a team is not about ONE player. It’s about all the players that make up the team. I work hard and do what’s best for the team to be successful. Instead of concentrating on my personal stats, I focus on what is needed to win the game. Sometimes that means passing up a good shot to give the ball to a teammate that has a better shot to increase our odds to win. Winning is intentional, and I deliberately make decisions to allow success on the court for my team to win games. As a result, this characteristic distinguishes me from many of today’s athletes.

Also, I am not a big talker. My belief is to “not talk about it but be about it.” I am not the one bragging about being a great student. I show it by highlighting my hard work with my 3.5GPA while being an athlete with a rigorous schedule. I don’t speak arrogantly about my skills on the court, I emphasize my hard work by showing up each day to practice and games on time and working hard. I work hard by driving to the hoop to score, taking advantage of making layups, making sure my jump shots are on point, making those 3-point shots at the right time, and working to improve my more than 80% accuracy at the foul line. I also showcase my hard work by doing the dirty work by diving on a floor to get the ball, jumping, and snatching rebounds.

 Instead of boasting about having good sportsmanship, I display a positive attitude throughout the game with the coaches, referees, players, spectators, and parents while I extend a strong hand to shake the hands of opponents, win or lose. Additionally, another characteristic that distinguishes me from others is I recognize that I don’t know everything. I want and welcome feedback from my parents, teachers, and coaches to become better as a young man, student, and athlete. I am coachable on and off the court.