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Ethan Wilkerson, center, signed his college letter of intent to play basketball for Southeastern while surrounded by his family and coach. Courtesy photo
Madill High School Senior Ethan Wilkerson made it official on March 12 when he signed his commitment letter to Southeastern Oklahoma University in Durant. Wilkerson, who was named Lake Country Conference MVP, has had a very impressive high school basketball career with 2286 total points, 1209 rebounds, and 372 blocks.
Wilkerson said he has been working hard to get to this level and looks forward to what the future has to offer. Ethan’s dad and coach Jason Wilkersonsaidhehasalways been laser focused on playing basketball.
“It’s been a goal of his to go play basketball, since he started this,” Jason said, then he joked about paying for college.. 'I always told him I’m not going to pay for your college. If you want to go to college, you gotta find a way to get it paid for.”
'He went to work and just worked hard at it, it’s great to see him get rewarded for a chance to go play and get his school paid for. I couldn’t be more proud of him; not only as his father but as his coach,” he continued on a more serious note. “He is a great kid to coach. He’s the guy that shows up first and alwaysleaveslastandalways putstheworkin.Ithasshown over the course of his career. He is great example in more ways than one.'
Jason said his main advice for his son is to not get behind.
“My biggest advice is to make sure he is going to class everyday and then the next thing is not to get caught up too much into all the extra curricular things that can happen in college,” Jason said. “Stay focused, if he has goals to do something special in college as well. Because it is very easy to get distracted.”
Ethan’s mom, Stephanie Wilkerson, said she is equally proud of her son and all that he has been able to accomplish. She also advised him to stay focused.
“Keep moving forward, there’s going to be a lot of ups and downs that life throws at you,” Stephanie said. “But no matter what, just know that you are a good kid, you are intelligent, and capable of making good decisions. Just trust yourself, trust God, and keep moving forward.”
She also had advice to the parents for junior athletes who are as focused as Ethan.
“Encourage them, stay positive, don’t focus on the negative things,” Stephanie said. “Just try to encourage them and make sure they know that no matter what at the end of the day you love them and that you are proud of them.”
As for Ethan, he said he is pumped up about what is in store for his future.
'I’m super excited, there’s a lot more to go and I’m looking forward to getting into this next step of my basketball career,” Ethan said.
Although he is not 100% sure what his academic focus will be, Ethan said he is dedicated to doing his best at the next level in his basketball career and has many things to look forward to.
“I’m just looking forward to being surrounded by a lot of people who take it as seriously as I do, like basketball and all of that,” Ethan said. “And just getting better and I'm sure college will be fun.”
He went on to thank his friends and family for their support over the years.
“I appreciate them a lot and thanks for always being there for me.'