Prospect Spotlight: AJ Wilkins (2021)
Already a two-year varsity player for Grinnell, 6-foot guard AJ Wilkins is heading into his 16u offseason with a lot of experience, and it shows.
Wilkins, a sophomore, was showcasing a pretty jumper and an improved ability to attack the hoop last weekend during Iowa Intensity’s run to the Elite 8 at the ROCK Spring Classic in Madison, WI. As the offseason unfolds, Wilkins will only continue to get better.
“I’d say my strengths are my 3-point shooting and my pull-up, mid-range. I’d say I have pretty good communication on the floor with my teammates,” said Wilkins.
“I’m really working on my ball-handling and my-mid-range game, basically just anything; handling the ball, getting to the hoop and finishing, being stronger with the ball, being more athletic.”
For Grinnell last season, the sophomore was the team’s second-leading scorer. He averaged 8.1 points per game and made a team-high 37 3s against tough Little Hawkeye Conference competition.
“I was a shooter and a secondary scorer, getting my points when I could,” said Wilkins. “The season was tough in the Little Hawkeye Conference. I came out and had two good games, and the rest of the season I just got face-guarded every game.”
He’s taken that tough sophomore season schedule and has used it to flourish early this spring with Iowa Intensity 16u. Look for a much-improved player next winter.
“I’m really looking forward to getting better and improving my weaknesses this summer, and just having fun with my teammates,” said Wilkins. “It’s really fun when all of our shots are going down and we’re hard to beat when they’re going down.”