Recruiting 2002 -- The Titan Class of 2006
Student/Athlete Commitments to IWU
Amelianovich, Keelan (Neuqua Valley)
Dauksas, Adam (Homewood-Flossmoor)
Jones, Chris & Cornelius (Thornwood)
Schweer, Steve (Hinsdale Central)
Amelianovich, Keelan (6'6 Wing, Neuqua Valley H.S.)
Neuqua Valley Star Amelianovich Heading to Wesleyan
by Bob Quillman, 4/29/02
The Sun All-Area Team N.V.H.S. Feature
The already talented and deep 2002 Illinois Wesleyan recruiting class got even more impressive last week. 6'6 Neuqua Valley High School (Naperville) star Keelan Amelianovich ended his college search Thursday, choosing Illinois Wesleyan.
"I just felt more comfortable at Illinois Wesleyan than I did anywhere else. I loved the campus and really liked all the players," said Amelianovich. "It seems like the perfect fit for me." He also said that IWU's head coach was a big reason for his decision. "Coach Trost is very nice and very honest...he's just the kind of guy you want to play for."
Scott Trost is thrilled. "We are extremely excited to know that Keelan will be a Titan," said Trost. "We identified him last summer as someone that could have a tremendous impact on our basketball program. He is really a special player."
Amelianovich was recruited heavily by Division III schools Augustana, Chicago, and Carthage, as well as Division II Lewis. Division I Southwest Missouri State expressed interest late, which Amelianovich decided not to pursue. "They wanted me to come make a visit, but I was already pretty set on Wesleyan," he explained.
"Keelan definitely had some opportunities to play basketball at a higher level than Division 3, like many of the guys in this class," said Trost. "What we try to show our recruits is that this is a great basketball school, and also somewhere they're going to get an outstanding education. We really focus on the whole package."
Success at Neuqua Valley
As a senior, Amelianovich captained Neuqua Valley to a perfect 14-0 record in the Upsate Eight and a 26-3 overall record. The Wildcats were knocked out of the Class AA playoffs in the third round by Waubonsie Valley and finished the year ranked #14 in the Chicago Tribune poll. In conference play, Amelianovich averaged 21.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. He made 31 of 89 (.348) 3-point attempts and was 48-59 (.814) from the free throw line. Amelianovich poured in 38 points against St. Charles North on January 11 behind 5-6 shooting from beyond the arc. He is the school's all-time leading scorer and rebounder.
Amelianovich was named to the 1st Team of the Sun Publications All-Area Squad. The other three seniors on the team have all accepted Division 1 scholarships.
The basketball court is not the only place Amelianovich excels at Neuqua Valley. He maintains a 4.4 GPA on a 4.0 scale and registered a 28 on the ACT. He's also the starting shortstop on the Wildcat baseball team, but he's not sure if he will play baseball in college. "My first priority athletically is basketball," said Amelianovich. "I will get to school and just try to sort out the baseball thing."
Expectations as a Titan
Amelianovich said winning is definitely a priority for him at Illinois Wesleyan. "I expect us to have a lot of success. I want to win the CCIW as many times as possible and go deep into the playoffs," he said.
"The goal at Illinois Wesleyan is, and always has been, to win the CCIW and contend for the national championship," said Trost. "I expect Keelan to be a huge part of our efforts to do both in the next four years."
Amelianovich isn't sure what role he will end up playing as a freshman. "I know it is very hard to play as a freshman at a place like Illinois Wesleyan, but who knows. I will work very hard to compete for a spot," he said.
Keelan's Game
Amelianovich says his game has changed a lot in the last two years. "Coach (Todd) Sutton did a fabulous job helping me develop as a player," he said. "As a freshman and sophmore I used to just shoot 3's, but Coach helped me learn how to drive to the basket, which opened everything else up." He added, "I consider myself a pretty good all-around player now. I like to drive around people and get to the basket." Amelianovich smiled and added, "I still like the 3 best though."
"At 6'6 he has great size, and can really shoot it well," said Trost. "I think one thing that gets forgotten though when people talk about Keelan is that he had over 400 rebounds at Neuqua. He is a very complete player."
Amelianovich has been lifting weights for 3 years, and knows strength will be important at the next level. "I watch my brother's games (at NAIA D1 St. Xavier), and they really have some big guys, he said. "I know I need to be as strong as possible."
Many familiar with Illinois Wesleyan basketball who have seen Amelianovich play compare his game to that of former Titan Bryan Crabtree. Crabtree led the Titans to the 1997 D3 national championship, averaging 22.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. He was the 1997 CCIW Fred Young Most Outstanding Player and named NCAA Division 3 Player of the Year. Crabtree, also 6'6 and a strong 3-point shooter, went through a similar transition of adding muscle and developing a dribble penetration game during his career as a Titan.
"As good as Keelan is on the court, he's an even better person...he is just a great young man," said Trost. "I'm very comfortable saying that about all of the young men in the recruiting class, and all the guys on our roster."
Keelan is the son of Tony and Cyndi Amelianovich of Naperville, Illinois.
Dauksas, Adam (6-3 Point-Guard, Homewood-Flossmoor H.S.)
Standout Point Guard Dauksas Chooses Wesleyan
by Bob Quillman, 3/26/02
"It is just a great school, with a great basketball environment. I feel honored to have a chance to carry on the tradition that is already established."
That is how outstanding Homewood-Flossmoor point guard Adam Dauksas (pronounced Dow-chuss) explained his choice to attend Illinois Wesleyan. Dauksas averaged 17.1 pts, 5.1 assists, and 3 rebounds per game his senior season, leading the Vikings to a 19 win season and a regional championship.
First year IWU head coach Scott Trost was all smiles after receiving the news. "I am very, very excited about Adam's decision...he is a great kid from a great family," said Trost. "We identified him early on as a priority...he is definitely an 'impact recruit.'" Trost expects Dauksas to compete for the starting point guard job as a freshman.
D1 Interest
The 6'3 ball handling specialist had a good deal of Division 1 interest this season, with Colgate and Illinois-Chicago the most aggressive pursuers. Division 2 St. Joe's (Indiana) offered Dauksas a full scholarship, as did Division 1 Chicago State. Chicago, Carthage, and Elmhurst were among the Division III schools recruiting him.
"I was lucky to get a lot of D1 looks, but in the end I just felt more comfortable as a person at Illinois Wesleyan," said Dauksas. "The level of play in the CCIW is as good as in many small Division 1 conferences, in my opinion."
Trost echoed those thoughts. "Many of the really talented CCIW players can play at a higher level...sometimes Division 3 is just a better fit though. Adam is going to get a great education at Illinois Wesleyan, and he is going to be a vital part of what we're doing from day one. At some of those D1's he'd probably be asked to sit for two years. Adam wants to play basketball."
HoopConnect.com called Dauksas "a definite D-I player at the mid to high major level." Illinoishoopstars.com rated him as the 40th best senior in the state of Illinois, and highschoolelite.com has Dauksas #32.
Passion for the Game
"Adam is very talented, but what I love about him most is his passion and his competitiveness," Trost said. "He absolutely loves to play the game, and it shows every second he's on the floor."
"I guess I bring a bit of a flare to the court," said Dauksas. "I have fun out there...I just love basketball, and I love to win."
In a feature article by Frank Rusnak of highschoolelite.com, Dauksas explains just how deep his love of the game goes. "I play basketball because I'm addicted to it. Ever since I could walk I have been dribbling my basketball--and I've got pictures to prove it. I've slept with my basketball since I was little."
Role and Expectations
Dauksas knows he will be surrounded by scorers at Illinois Wesleyan, and that is just fine with him. "Coach Trost isn't bringing me in to score. I'm here to get the ball to Luke (Kasten), Laban (Cross), Silagi, and the guys," he said. "I love passing the ball," Dauksas added.
Dauksas has big expectations of himself and his teammates for the next four years. "I want to win CCIW Championships, and have a chance to win a national championship," he said. "I consider myself a winner, and I am really looking forward to my career at Illinois Wesleyan."
Dauksas joins what looks will be a very talented and deep first Illinois Wesleyan recruiting class for Scott Trost.
Fisher, Jason (6-2 Guard, Delavan H.S.)
Athletic Delavan Guard Commits to IWU
by Bob Quillman 3/27/02
Illinois Wesleyan head coach Scott Trost received his second commitment from a Class A all-stater on Monday. Jason Fisher, who averaged 25.6 points per game this season for 23-7 Delavan High School, will join fellow Class A all-state selection Michael McKean in a Titan uniform next year. Along with McKean, Fisher was named to the IBCA, AP, and Chicago Sun-Times Class A all-state teams. This week Fisher was named the Pantagraph Area Class A "Player of the Year."
"Jason is an outstanding young man," said Trost. "I can't tell you how excited we are to have him."
The 6-2 guard impressed many around the state, in winning the 2002 King of the Hill Slam Dunk Contest. After taking the Class A competition, Fisher defeated Aurora West's Dameon Mason for the overall championship on March 16 at the Peoria Civic Center.
A Good Fit
In addition to IWU, Fisher was recruited heavily by Division 3 schools Millikin, Elmhurst, Augustana, and Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Last week, representatives from Division 1 Eastern Illinois attended an all-star practice, and expressed scholarship interest. Fisher told EIU he was not interested.
"Ever since I was little, I have known about the tradition at Illinois Wesleyan," said Fisher. "I have seen a lot of highlights on TV, and in recent years I really liked watching Korey Coon play." He added, "Wesleyan is also a great academic school which will present a lot of post-college opportunities I think. It just seems to be a perfect fit for me."
"I also like the CCIW," said Fisher. "It's probaby the best Division 3 conference in the country."
Trost was very aware of the recruiting attention Fisher was getting and knew he had his work cut out for him. "Jason is a special player...a lot of schools wanted him. I thought it was very important to let Jason know how much we wanted him in part because he's a local kid -- same with Michael (McKean). We need to maintain a strong presence with the local kids."
Multi-Dimensional Player
In addition to leading his team in scoring this season, Fisher also was the leader in rebounds (6.8) and assisits (3.8). "I like to shoot the 3, but I also like to drive and get to the free throw line," said Fisher. "I'd like to think I'm a pretty good all-around player."
"Jason is very versatile and very athletic," said Trost. "He does so many things well."
Fisher knows there will be very talented upperclassmen at his position (off-guard) next season. "Playing time will probably be hard to come by next year, but I will work hard and just want to have a chance," said Fisher. "From my sophomore season on, I should have a great opportunity."
Jason is the son of Bob and Becki Fisher of Delavan, and he plans to major in Business Administration at IWU.
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Delavan's Fisher slam dunk champ
By Douglas Hamm
Pantagraph staff (3/17/02)
PEORIA -- After Aurora West High School's Dameon Mason struggled during his routine, Delavan's Jason Fisher finalized his game plan for Saturday night's Slam Dunk King of the Hill finals at Carver Arena.
"It just popped in my head to make two right off the bat and then go to my fancy stuff," Fisher explained.
The strategy worked to perfection as the 6-foot-2 senior posted a 43-39 victory over the 6-5 Mason to become only the third Class A champion in the 11-year history of the event.
"This is kind of a surprise to me," said Fisher, who also competed in the three-point showdown during last week's Class A State Tournament. "I knew I could contend, but the AA guy is usually pretty tough."
Mason barely made the minimum two dunks required in the 45-second time frame to open the door for Fisher.
Fisher started with a pair of relatively routine dunks before going to his bag of tricks. He shielded his eyes with his hand on his third dunk before bouncing the ball high off the floor and slamming home his final two attempts.
"Dee Brown did the (blind) dunk for the Celtics in the NBA, and that's where I got the idea," Fisher said. "My coach (Ryon Kramer) told me to bring that dunk back out again because there might be some different judges than there were last week."
Fisher, better known for his outside shooting than dunking at Delavan, said he is leaning toward playing at Illinois Wesleyan next season. Fisher led The Pantagraph area in scoring with 25.8 points per game, and ranks sixth academically in his class of 38 students with a 3.9 grade point average.
"I haven't committed yet, but I really like (IWU coach Scott) Trost and the school," Fisher said. "I'm still keeping my options open and see if anything arises at a higher level."
Mason captured the Class AA title earlier Saturday with a score of 44. Peoria Notre Dame's Brian Randle was second (43) followed by Evanston's Mike McKinney (0).
Springfield Lanphier all-stater Andre Iguodala, who finished first in the preliminary round with a perfect score of 50, withdrew from the competition after his team won its state quarterfinal game Friday.
Three-point king crowned
Class AA champion Brian Harkes of St. Charles North sank 12 of 15 attempts to win the COUNTRY Insurance Three-Point Showdown King of the Hill competition over Class A champion Justin Farrell of Ohio.
Farrell, who captured the Class A title last weekend, made eight 3-pointers.
Harks hit 11 threes in the Class AA finals. Mount Zion's Matt Yelovich was second with six, while Arlington Heights Hersey's Steve Prorok and Barrington's Brett McAllister tied for third with five.
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High school basketball players of the year honored
By Bryan Bloodworth
Pantagraph Sports editor
BLOOMINGTON - Tom Howland, Jason Fisher, Ashlee Pistorius and Betsy Glover shared the spotlight Sunday night after being selected as the top high school basketball players in The Pantagraph circulation area for the past season.
Howland of Normal West earned the award for Class AA boys; Fisher of Delavan took honors in Class A boys; Pistorius of University High in Class A girls; and Glover of East Peoria in Class AA girls.
The winners were selected by members of The Pantagraph sports staff from a group of five finalists in each class. The event, which honored the top players in the newspaper's 46-school circulation area, was co-sponsored by The Heller Stores and The Pantagraph.
The 6-foot-11 Howland, who has signed a national letter-of- intent to play at Ball State next year, helped Normal West win its first Big 12 West Conference championship. The Wildcats finished the season with a 19-9 record.
Howland was the Big 12 Conference Player of the Year; a member of The Pantagraph all-area team; a first-team selection in the Big 12 and a special mention all-state honoree.
He averaged 11.8 points while shooting 57 percent from the field. He pulled down 8.5 rebounds per game and blocked 81 shots.
Other Class AA finalists included Scott Phegley of Morton, David Sabino of Streator, Cory Farmer of Lincoln and Adam Krumtinger of Normal Community.
Fisher helped Delavan to a 23-7 record and a share of the Tomahawk Conference championship. The 6-2 forward/guard averaged a Pantagraph area-leading 25.8 points per game.
He also led his team in rebounding (6.8) and assists (3.8). Fisher averaged 1.9 steals and shot 52 percent from the field, including 42 percent from 3-point range.
Fisher, who hasn't determined which college he will attend next year, earned Chicago Sun Times all-state honors, honorable mention all-state honors by the Associated Press and was a member of The Pantagraph, Peoria Journal Star and Pekin Times all-area teams.
He also won the Class A portion of the state slam dunk competition and broke the Delavan school record for points scored in a single season with 773.
Other Class A boys' finalists included Chris Coffey of Lexington, Michael McKean of CPCI, Jason Coakley of Heyworth and C.J. Wrede of Prairie Central.
Pistorius is only a sophomore, but has already made her mark on the girls' basketball scene. The 5-10 guard is among 20 players state-wide to be nominated for the coveted Ms. Basketball award.
She was a second-team all-state selection by the IBCA, special mention all-state honoree and led her team in virtually every statistical category.
She led the Pioneers to a 26-6 record and a berth in the Class A state tournament quarterfinals. She topped the Pioneers in scoring (19.3), field goal percentage (57.6), steals (3.2) and assists (5.8). She ranked second in the area in scoring and assists.
Pistorius was a member of the Corn Belt Conference team and the Pantagraph all-area team.
Other Class A girls' finalists were Abbi Randinelli of Prairie Central, Laura Zimmerman of Blue Ridge, Maggie Sprague of Central Catholic and Tricia Gaither of Olympia.
Glover is a 5-7 junior guard, who led the area in scoring with a 21.9 average. She ranked second in the area in 3-point field goals with 64.
She also led East Peoria in assists with 3.6 per game as the Raiders posted an 11-15 record. Glover was a member of the Mid-Illini Conference team along with The Pantagraph and Peoria Journal Star all-area teams.
Other Class AA girls' finalists were Megan Patti of Normal Community, Tashika Kindle of Bloomington, Jodi Talley of Morton and Tara Toepke of Metamora
Jones, Chris & Cornelius (6'5 Forwards, Thornwood H.S.)
Thornwood twins pick IWU
By Randy Sharer
Pantagraph staff
BLOOMINGTON -- Statistics are misleading, especially when judging the talent of Illinois Wesleyan recruits Cornelius and Chris Jones, according to Coach Scott Trost, who has added the twins to the Titan basketball family.
"If you put them on other teams throughout the state, I think they would have been featured more," Trost said.
The 6-foot-5 South Holland Thornwood High School twins played supporting roles for a 27-6 Elite Eight squad, which included Purdue-bound Melvin Buckley and Indiana State recruit David Moss.
Thornwood's roster also had Geremie Allison, the state's No. 24 ranked junior according to the Web site www.highschoolelite.com.
"It's great to get somebody out of the Thornwood program," Trost said. "It is respected as one of the best in the state of Illinois."
Though the statistics of the Jones brothers were small, their potential in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin is big.
Cornelius started 32 games for the Thunderbirds while Chris played in 26. Cornelius shot 47 percent from the field and was Thornwood's No. 4 rebounder.
"Their best basketball is in front of them," Trost said. "They were recruited fairly heavily by small colleges. They are both very good role players. They've played great competition."
The twins are well acquainted with Shirk Center, where Thornwood has won the past two State Farm Bloomington-Normal Holiday Classics.
Thornwood coach Kevin Hayhurst isn't sure how soon the Joneses will contribute at IWU.
"I think they will be able to help in the future," he said. "They are the ultimate team players. They will be able to body people inside. Both are very good 3-point shooters.
"If they were on another team they would have had bigger numbers in scoring and rebounding. They are good communicators on the court and they play well together. They really liked the facilities and Coach Trost."
They join a recruiting class which includes 6-6 Keelan Amelianovich, 6-3 Adam Dauksas, 6-5 Michael McKean, 6-2 Jason Fisher, 6-6 Steve Schweer and 6-2 Mike McGraw.
McGraw, Mike (6-2 Guard, Litchfield)
Litchfield Sharp Shooter Heading to IWU
by Bob Quillman, 3/30/02
High School Elite Mention State Journal-Register Article
Given the nickname "Quick Draw" by his P.E. teacher in elementary school, Mike McGraw has been known as a great shooter since he was a kid. McGraw didn't disappoint anyone in Litchfield, finishing his high school career with 208 3-point field goals, and 1473 points. Next year he will play for Scott Trost at Illinois Wesleyan. McGraw selected IWU over a scholarship offer to Division 2 SIU-Edwardsville, and Division 3 schools Millikin, and Chicago.
"As soon as I walked on campus, I was sure I was going to Wesleyan," said McGraw. "It is a great academic school, and it has an awesome basketball tradition. I also like Bloomington a lot, and I really like Coach (Scott) Trost. I guess overall Wesleyan just seems to have the whole picture for me."
"Mike McGraw is such a special kid," said Trost. "We're lucky to have him. He is going the stretch a lot of defenses with his shooting ability."
After his sophomore season, McGraw was identified as one of "5 sophomores to watch" by Illinoisspotlite.com. As a junior, McGraw led Litchfield High School to it's first 20-win season since 1984-85. He averaged 22.5 points per game, behind 97 3-point field goals. McGraw scored 40 points against Staunton in a Hillsboro Regional contest.
As the object of every team's defense this season, McGraw's scoring average was down -- 18.9 point per game -- but the Panther's win total was not. Litchfield finished the season with a 24-7 record. McGraw made 90 3-pointers, and averaged 3.5 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game. He shot 86% from the free throw line.
Litchfield head coach Ed Roundcount said of his star, "In my twenty-three years of basketball, Michael is the best player I have ever had the honor to coach."
Although McGraw is primarily known for his 3-point shooting, he is quick to point out he likes to do other things on the floor as well. "I am a shooter, there is no doubt about that. I'd like to think I'm a pretty good passer though too, and that I can create off the dribble. I have been working real hard on my defense too, and I'm working to get stronger."
McGraw's work ethic is something Trost picked up on early. "It is very obvious that Mike is always working to get better. That is probably what I am most impressed about."
McGraw said he is looking forward to playing at the Shirk Center, and playing CCIW competition. "For a D3 school to get as many fans as Wesleyan gets is amazing," said McGraw. "The CCIW is an awesome league...the level of talent is so high."
McGraw says continual improvement as a basketball player is what he will focus on during his four years at IWU. "I just want to improve as a player. I am looking forward to gaining knowledge of the game and learning from Coach Trost," he said. "I want us to win conference championships and national championships."
McGraw was a three-year member of the Illinois Warriors -- the 2001 AAU national champions. He was named to the First Team All-South Central East his junior and senior seasons, and received Special Mention on the 2001 and 2002 IBCA all-state teams.
McGraw is the third very talented guard in this year's recruiting class, joining Delavan's Jason Fisher and Adam Dauksas of Homewood-Flossmoor. He is the son of Rick and Dona McGraw of Litchfield. Mike plans to major in Business Administration at Illinois Wesleyan.
McKean, Michael (6-5 Forward, CPCI H.S.)
CPCI All-Stater McKean Says He'll Attend IWU
by Bob Quillman, 3/11/02
Michael McKean, a member of the IBCA, AP, and Chicago Sun-Times Class A all-state teams, announced yesterday that he'll attend Illinois Wesleyan. The 6-5 McKean averaged 23 points and 7 rebounds this season for a 28-4 CPCI team that lost in the Normal Super Sectional game to Bloomington Central Catholic. His final decision came down to NCAA Division 3 schools IWU, Augustana, and Rose-Hulman.
"Wesleyan is a great school academically, and I really like Coach Trost," said McKean. "I also like all of the players I have met very much...I have known Eric Starkey (from nearby Milford) for a while."
McKean also cites the Shirk Center in helping him make his college decision. "Wesleyan has the best D3 facility, great fans, and an amazing basketball atmosphere," he explained.
Illinois Wesleyan head coach Scott Trost is thrilled to have a committment from McKean. "I am excited to have Michael become part of the IWU family," said Trost. "He comes from a great family and a great high school program...Coach (Kevin) Long has Michael well prepared for the rigors of the CCIW."
All three of CPCI's regular season losses this year came at the hands of teams ranked in the state Class A poll -- Pleasant Plains (state champion), Providence St. Mel, and Lisle. They beat Tolono Unity, the 4th place finisher in the state tournament, by 25 points.
"Michael's versatility will make him a very good player in the CCIW," said Trost. "I envision him as a small forward. He can hit the 3, but with his strength (a bench press of 280 pounds as a high school senior) he can also play inside some...he's just a good athlete."
McKean isn't sure what his role will end up being next year, but he says he plans to work hard between now and September. "I am going to live with family in Bloomington this summer so I can play with the guys. I plan on competing for a spot next year...however it turns out is fine with me, but I want to compete," he said.
With his team's Super Sectional loss just one week ago still in his mind, McKean says he has no regrets about his high school career. "We did a lot of great things, and I made some strong friendships -- that is what it is all about."
McKean is the first member of what should be a strong IWU recruiting class.
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CPCI all-stater McKean to play for Titans
By Randy Sharer
Pantagraph staff, 3/14/02
BLOOMINGTON -- CPCI basketball star Michael McKean has announced he will enroll at Illinois Wesleyan.
The 6-foot-5, 205-pound forward made the Associated Press, Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago Tribune all-state teams and was named the Champaign News-Gazette Player of the Year. He is a candidate for Pantagraph Area Player of the Year.
McKean led Cissna Park-based CPCI to its first Sweet Sixteen appearance this season by averaging 22.3 points on 59.2 percent shooting from the field and 72.3 percent shooting at the line. He shot 43 percent from 3-point range to go with 6.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists.
IWU coach Scott Trost said he could not comment about a prospect until he makes a registration deposit.
CPCI went 107-20 during McKean's career including 81-16 with him as a starter the past three years. The Timberwolves were 24-10 his sophomore season, 29-2 his junior year and 28-4 this year.
He set team records with 1,755 career points (17 ppg) and 168 career steals. He ranks in the top three of his class academically and posted a 30 ACT score. He has not decided on a major, but is leaning toward something math related.
"I really liked Coach Trost and the Shirk Center is a great place. It's a great college," said McKean, whose aunt and uncle, Vic and Karen Gudeman, live in Bloomington.
McKean is the son of Alice and Leonard McKean. Leonard McKean is a former Cissna Park basketball coach now serving as athletic director.
Michael McKean attended four IWU games this year and played three games at Shirk Center last summer.
"(The Titans) struggled a bit (finishing 12-13), but they will be pretty good next year," said McKean, who also considered Augustana and Rose-Hulman. "I thought pretty hard about this decision."
CPCI coach Kevin Long said IWU is getting a player who is strong, can run the floor and is multi-dimensional. McKean can bench press 280 pounds.
"He can play with his back to the basket," added Long. "He gets to the free throw line a lot.
"He's gifted enough, he could have scored more. We were blessed to have good balance. He was a big part of our success."
Long said McKean is the most talented player he has coached.
"Wesleyan is not only getting an outstanding player, they are getting a top-notch student and a person of great character," Long said. "We'll miss him. He'll be impossible to replace."
Schweer, Steve (6-6 Forward, Hinsdale Central)
IWU lands 6th recruit in Schweer
By Randy Sharer
Pantagraph staff
BLOOMINGTON -- The Illinois Wesleyan men's basketball team will have a relatively large senior class next season with seven players.
The IWU basketball class of 2006 may end up even larger with the announcement by 6-foot-6 Hinsdale Central High School forward Steve Schweer that he will continue his athletic career as a Titan.
He is the sixth recruit landed by Coach Scott Trost for next year.
Schweer averaged 13 points and eight rebounds for a 16-10 team last season. He shot 50 percent from the field, 33 percent from 3-point range and 72 percent from the line.
Schweer said IWU's facilities won him over.
"I visited a bunch of Division III schools and none even compared to what IWU had," said Schweer, who is acquainted with fellow recruits Adam Dauksas of Homewood-Flossmoor and Keelan Amelianovich of Naperville Neuqua Valley. "We are going to have a good class."
Schweer rates versatility as his biggest basketball asset.
"I can play as a tall guard and create a mismatch," said Schweer, who has not chosen a major.
The 200-pounder was an all-West Suburban Conference Silver Division pick and was named to the All-DuPage County team. He posted a 31 ACT score.
"He's real athletic," Trost said. "He jumps well, can run, can shoot the 3, but I also think he can play with his back to the basket."
Schweer chose IWU over Augustana, DePauw and Randolph-Macon. His father, Tom, is the athletics director at St. Charles North High School.
"Steve has got a lot of up side," Trost said. "He definitely can be a player in this league."
Hinsdale Central coach Robert Mueller aid IWU fans will appreciate Schweer's energetic playing style.
"He's a real good hustler," Mueller said. "He always plays with a smile on his face. He's a real personable kid."
Mueller began his high school career as a 5-9 guard, but played center on defense and guard on offense last season.
"IWU has a great program," Mueller said. "I know he was real impressed with the team and the whole school atmosphere. He enjoyed the atmosphere of games he came to see. There are a lot of fans and they get into the game."