Recruiting 2006 -- The Titan Class of 2010

Student/Athlete Commitments to IWU

(April 13, 2006)

Hersey's Dwyer still heading to IWU

By Randy Reinhardt

rreinhardt@pantagraph.com

BLOOMINGTON - Sean Dwyer wanted to play for Scott Trost. The Arlington Heights Hersey High School point guard wanted to play basketball at Illinois Wesleyan even more.

Dwyer confirmed Wednesday he has committed to join the Titans next season despite the fact Trost resigned from the IWU coaching job for the same position at Lewis University on Tuesday.

"It was more of a decision to make than just basketball itself. The school, with the academics, is the place for me," Dwyer said. "I would have loved to play under him (Trost). But when I visited, the freshmen and sophomores accepted me. It was like I was already there. They really persuaded me a lot by being themselves.

"And obviously the tradition is unbelievable at Illinois Wesleyan. That excited me a lot. I'm going to work as hard as I can to keep that tradition rolling."

The 5-foot-11 Dwyer averaged 14 points, five assists and three rebounds for Hersey his senior season as the Huskies posted a 19-9 record. He was the Player of the Year of the Arlington Heights Daily Herald and in the Mid-Suburban East Conference.

"They (the Titans) got a great one," Hersey coach Don Rowley said of his three-year starter. "The major thing about him is he's tough and he's a leader. He's been leading the team since he was a sophomore on and off the floor.

"He's very hard nosed and very strong. He's the first guy to practice and the last to leave, and the first guy in the weight room and the last to leave. You won't believe how cut (physically) he is. He's worked his butt off to get where he is."

Dwyer shot 50 percent from the field, 40 percent from 3-point range and 76 percent at the free throw line his senior season. He also boasted a 2.5 to 1 assist-turnover ratio.

"He's the best kid in 38 years we've had at getting to the basket. It's amazing how he's able to either finish shots or get fouled," said Rowley. "He's the consummate point guard and leader. He's more interested in getting others involved than scoring his own points."

Dwyer also lists leadership as a personal strength.

"I'm very vocal running the point," he said. "I like getting guys shots, getting guys open."

IWU got a helping hand in the recruiting process from former Titan John Camardella, who also starred at Hersey.

"He brought up Illinois Wesleyan and sparked my interest," said Dwyer, who also considered Augustana and DePauw. "We've been keeping in touch."

Rowley said Dwyer compares well to Adam Dauksas, who recently completed four years as IWU's starting point guard.

"I'm familiar with Adam Dauksas," the Hersey coach said. "Sean is at least as good as Dauksas. They will love this kid."

According to Rowley, Dwyer has a 5.2 grade point average on a 5.0 scale. He called Dwyer and IWU "a match made in heaven."