St. Mary’s High School’s 6-foot-5 senior forward DeShawn Wilson is a native of Las Vegas, Nevada but ventured to the state of Arizona a year ago. After spending a year at St. Mary’s High School and helping lead the team to a nice state playoff run last season, Wilson raised his level of play this spring and summer - developing himself into a nice sleeper prospect among the 2017 class.
Wilson is the younger brother of former Southern Utah player Sherron Wilson, who recently signed with Jackson State after a strong sophomore season at Paris JC (TX). While growing up, Deshawn was always a step ahead because he was older, while Deshawn was known as a childhood phenom - growing at an early age, more than his classmates.
Wilson would not grow as much as expected over time, but instead he would learn to develop perimeter and low post skills to a level where he could compete at a high level against top-rated competition.
Last season as a junior for head coach Ty Amundsen, Wilson played strong throughout the season, but struggled at times finding his identity on the floor. Wilson spent a lot of time on the perimeter trying to showcase his perimeter skillset. This club season, Wilson played strong in the post and stretched himself out as needed to be successful on the floor. Wilson played very strong and athletic and competed consistently at a high level.
In the spring, Wilson would play for a talented and successful Powerhouse Hoops 17U Black team that would have a superb spring season - winning numerous games and also finishing as a tournament champion runner-up at an event in Vegas during the NCAA Live Period. Wilson then would finish out the club season - traveling during the summer with the I-10 Celtics and the Arizona Dream Team.
Wilson proved a lot to himself and also about himself this club season, as he played to his strengths during the spring season, and then stretched out his game during the summer months to prove that he is capable of much more. Wilson showcased an immense ability to play above the rim, while also showing superb strength around the paint. He then improved his jump shot over the summer months and proved that he could make shots from the wing position on the floor and behind the arc - making Wilson a much more interesting prospect for college coaches.
This fall will be an intersting one for Wilson, as we look to see which schools will want to get involved early during the fall signing period. If Wilson decides to wait late, until the spring signing period, his options could grow immensely.
Wilson is a mid-major division-I prospect if the right school sees him and respects what he can do on the floor. Either way, I look for Wilson to have a nice senior season for the Knights.
