Omar, two years older than his brother Jordan, will practice with the team
this year, but sit out active playing time for the year per NCAA regulations
covering transfers. Jordan, if he decides to attend Cal, would therefore join
the squad in the fall of 2005 - the same time his brother becomes an active
player.
 |
|
Jordan Wilkes |
CyberBears writer Aaron Prince expressed his view in an article on April 24th
that Jordan might be one of the most improved players in the country over the
previous twelve months. Prince reported that Jordan made some very athletic
moves from the post to get baskets and used his long arms to affect games at
the April tournaments in Las Vegas. Wilkes fought hard for rebounds and approached
the game with a Tim Duncan-type demeanor (a player who he admires). Prince also noted that Wilkes consistently hit the open man when he was double-teamed, and thought he could potentially be in the top 5 senior big men in the 2005 class.
In his junior year at Loyola, Wilkes scored 16.3 points per game (shooting 60% from the floor), made 81% of his free throws, grabbed 7.8 rebounds per game, and averaged 4 blocked shots.
CyberBears writer Greg Richardson commented today that Jordan Wilkes is one
of those rare big men who are skilled at a young age. Richardson noted that
Wilkes' ability to handle, shoot, and pass the ball are the rarest of commodities
for a 6'11" high school junior-to-be. Because he grew up in a basketball
household, Jordan possesses a high basketball IQ with an advanced understanding
of the game. Only recently has Jordan grown into his body, allowing his athletic skills to catch up with his length. As a result, he burst onto the recruiting scene this spring and summer, and projects to be a top 50 player nationally by the end of his high school senior year.
Two Wilkes on the court, two years apart in age, both bringing serious talent to Haas Pavilion. Could be the start of a dynasty.
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