UIC Offers Kawanise Wilkins

Photo courtesy of Barton Community College Athletics

UIC continues its pursuit of filling the two scholarship vacancies in the 2018-2019 season as a new target has emerged.

Kawanise Wilkins, a 6-foot-5 wing at Barton Community College, tweeted that he received a scholarship offer from UIC yesterday. Wilkins graduated from Farragut High School in Chicago last year, which is only four miles away from the UIC Pavilion.

Wilkins is a qualifier, meaning he can transfer to a DI school next year and has three years of eligibility left starting in 2018-2019.

Wilkins has been a standout freshman performer at Barton, producing an impressive stat line for a 28-6 team. He is averaging 15.3 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. Wilkins is shooting 49% from the field and 36% from three. But he’s stepped up his play at the right time, thriving thus far in the playoffs.

In four postseason games, Wilkins is averaging 17.8 points, 9.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists. His strong play in the playoffs has led to surplus of scholarship offers in a short amount of time. 

Wilkins has received ten offers in the last 11 days. He has offers from Albany, Bradley, Hofstra, Indiana State, Kent State, Loyola, Milwaukee, UIC, Western Michigan and Winthrop.

He opened up about his recruitment and his timeline for a decision. "Coach McClain and Coach Brown began recruiting me a couple of weeks ago," Wilkins shared. "I like that UIC plays in a good league and their competitive nature. I haven't visited any schools yet and I plan to schedule them when my season is finished. I'll make my commitment whenever the time is right."

UIC appears to be looking for guard and wing depth based on their current offers. In addition to Wilkins, the Flames are pursuing Tyreek Scott-Grayson and David Wingett on the wing. Chase Adams and Tyler Cheese are the guard targets.

The Flames already have two commitments from big men, Isaac Bassey and Brandon John.