Unlike some high school stars who have to manage the hype that comes with constant attention from high-level college coaches, Waubonsie Valley senior Moses Wilson is in the opposite situation.
A lack of significant interest in the 6-foot-5 combo guard continues to perplex the people around him. Wilson, who is known for his high-flying dunks and ability to guard any position, has offers from Division II programs at Michigan Tech, Purdue Northwest and Newberry, but none from Division I programs.
“It’s been frustrating because I don’t get it,” Waubonsie Valley coach Andrew Schweitzer said. “There are some DIs that are like, ‘Yeah, we’re keeping an eye on him,’ but it’s just hard right now.
“High school kids are in a tough spot with the transfer portal, especially basketball because there’s a lot less roster spots.”
Illinois State-bound senior point guard Tyreek Coleman also is baffled by Wilson’s lackluster recruiting.
“I’ve definitely been surprised,” Coleman said. “I noticed that Moses is ranked top 15 in the state, and the top 24 guys are either Division I commits or have at least one Division I offer.
“He’s ranked over some of those guys. It’s a little bit confusing to me as far as why colleges at that level aren’t reaching out to him. I know the work that he puts in, and he’s definitely a Division I talent.”
But Wilson, who is averaging 14.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 3.0 steals for a team that has won 25 of its 26 games, doesn’t seem stressed out as a result of the situation.
“Honestly, I think they’re going to come eventually,” he said. “I’m just staying patient, keeping a level head. I’m in no rush. I’ve got options.”
Coleman is Waubonsie Valley’s leading scorer, but Wilson is in some ways even more of an igniter. That’s especially true of Wilson’s ability to dunk, which he does at least two or three times per game. A one-handed alley-oop, a reverse alley-oop and a 360-degree slam are among his highlights captured on video this season.
Wilson dunked twice, both off passes from Coleman, early in the third quarter against visiting Neuqua Valley in Aurora on Friday. Wilson finished with eight points, 10 rebounds and two blocks in the Warriors’ 53-37 DuPage Valley Conference win.
“He’s definitely a tide-turner,” Coleman said. “We know if things aren’t going good for us, we get Moses on a dunk or a lob, man, it shifts the tide.
“He’s definitely a fuel starter for us, and we love him for it.”
So do the fans, who buzz with anticipation whenever Wilson gets near the rim. He understands the importance of dunking extends beyond showcasing his athleticism.
“Everyone just plays with more energy,” he said. “They get hyped, so me dunking just brings us all up.”
Wilson has been dunking with regularity since last season, but he has made an impact in other areas for the Warriors (25-1, 7-0). He teamed with Coleman and sophomore Kris Mporokoso to hold Neuqua Valley’s star freshman, Cole Kelly, without a basket on Friday. Kelly finished with two points.
“(Wilson) has become obviously a much better scorer this year,” Schweitzer said. “But his defense, rebounding, energy, screens, his passion — you name it, he does it.”
Wilson said college coaches have told him that he needs to put more weight on his 155-pound frame. Coleman has no doubt Wilson will do it.
“He plays with a chip on his shoulder,” Coleman said. “He’s not scared to put in the work when asked and even when he isn’t. That’s just the type of guy that he is.
“It’s a testament to his character, and any Division I college coach that takes a chance on him, they’re getting a great guy.”
Wilson said he won’t make a commitment until after the season, which he hopes will end with the Warriors playing at the State Farm Center in Champaign. That’s a stage that can shine a light on Wilson’s talent.
“I definitely think we can make it to state if we each keep a level head and just execute and play aggressive and tough,” he said. “There will be a lot of (college) coaches there, so I’ve just got to go out there and play my game.”
Schweitzer said Wilson has the right mentality regarding his recruiting.
“It’s not like a typical kid where, ‘Well, that kid got an offer, why can’t I?’” Schweitzer said. “He’s just focusing on himself and his team.
“Something will come that will make him happy, even if it’s at DII or a juco for a year. That kid’s a DI player.”
Matt Le Cren is a freelance reporter.
