Guyer High hoops star Jalen Wilson has settled on Kansas after decommiting from Michigan in the wake of former coach John Beilien’s NBA exit to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
“I think Kansas’ winning tradition, the basketball there, made the difference,” Guyer coach Grant Long told Texas Scorecard. “He took an unofficial visit down there and loved everything about Jayhawks Coach Bill Self.”
After starring for Guyer all four seasons, including averaging 18 points and eight rebounds as a senior, Long said he sees the 6-foot-8, 215 pound Wilson being able to have an immediate impact on the Jayhawks’ program.
“He’s basically a guard in a big body that can bring the ball up the floor,” he said. “We used him as a point guard while he was here.”
Even though he’s moved on, Wilson said in some ways he hopes Wilson still serves as the face of the Guyer program.
“He was always a great leader and I’m hoping the way he did things rubs off on some of the young guys,” he said. “With Jalen, it wasn’t just about talent. He had a great work ethic that I’m hoping all the young guys remember that.”
After advancing to the Class 6A Region I championship game for the second straight season this year, Guyer is poised to return at least two Division 1-bound seniors next season in 6-foot-9 forward JaKobe Coles and 6-foot-5 shooting guard Tyler McGhie.
Senior forward Amaechi Chukwu, who Long describes “as a do-everything player” also returns along junior wingman Brayden Bradshaw and sophomore guard Jace Wilson.
“We’ll be strong,” said Long. “We have a chance to be really good.”
247Sports ranked Jalen Wilson as the No.44 rated player in the class of 2019.
