Introducing Mr. Basketball Candidate #3: Caden Wilkins
As part of our preseason preview content, we’re counting down the top dozen candidates for this year’s Mr. Basketball award, presented annually to the top senior in the state. Our countdown continues with our No. 3 player, Bettendorf wing Caden…
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Continue ReadingAs part of our preseason preview content, we’re counting down the top dozen candidates for this year’s Mr. Basketball award, presented annually to the top senior in the state. Our countdown continues with our No. 3 player, Bettendorf wing Caden Wilkins Caden Wilkins 6'7" | SF Bettendorf | 2024 State #196 Nation IA .
Name:
Caden Wilkins
Caden
Wilkins
6'7" | SF
Bettendorf | 2024
State
#196
Nation
IA
Height: 6-6
Position: SF
School: Bettendorf
2022-23 stats: 438 points (19.9/game), 227 rebounds (10.3), 70 assists (3.2), 24 steals (1.1), 34 blocks (1.5), 44.7 FG%, 33.6 3P%, 73.3 FT%
Career stats: 842 points (15.3), 398 rebounds (7.2), 123 assists (2.2), 39 steals (0.7), 53 blocks (1.0), 44.8 FG%, 32.7 3P%, 71.8 FT%
About Wilkins: Wilkins is the top ranked player in our 2024 rankings, a skilled 6-6/6-7 wing who can really fill it up from all three levels in a hurry. He’s coming off a junior year in which he averaged a double-double for the Bulldogs and showed his ability to impact the game on the defensive end of the floor as well. While his efficiency numbers aren’t elite, he’s asked to do a ton for the Bulldogs and takes a lot of difficult shots as a result. He’s coming off a great summer with the Barnstormers and looks primed to have a fantastic senior season for a Bettendorf team that should be improved.
Why he can win Mr. Basketball: Few players in the state will put up numbers like Wilkins will put up this season. He’s the top-ranked player in the state for a reason and his ability to take over games on both ends of the floor make him a dynamic weapon who can have explosive scoring nights that will garner attention. The only reason that he isn’t #1 or 2 on this countdown is a relative lack of team success when compared to the other options. If that changes this year, it may be his award to lose.