Wilson, Perry, Owies and Malou make NCAA commitments
A number of promising Australian junior men have made commitments to NCAA Division I programs over recent weeks, including Tom Wilson, Jock Perry, Matt Owies and Emmanuel Malou.
Tom Wilson | Southern Methodist
Tom Wilson, who was recruited heavily by Boise State, California and a host of others, committed to Southern Methodist and the tutelage of Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame head coach Larry Brown as part of the 2016 class.
Tom Wilson | Credit: FIBA via Basketball Australia
As a former Australian junior captain at U17 and U19 level, the 6'4 scoring point guard visited the school (amongst others) in early October, a trip that helped him make the decision to commit.
"I just got a really good feel about the campus, and with their starting point guard Nic Moore leaving, it opens a chance for me to come in and play right away,” Wilson shared with Fox Sports Australia.
“Another huge thing is that I want to win an NCAA Championship, and that’s something coach Brown is really focused on.”
Playing immediately was a large incentive in the decision of school for Wilson. He is sure to make the most of every opportunity, just as he did with the Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence and in representing his country.
Jock Perry | Saint Mary's
The pipeline to Saint Mary's has never been stronger for Australian talent, with seven from the land down under set to represent the Gaels in the 2016/17 season thanks to the commitment of 7'1 center Jock Perry.
Jock Perry (supplied)
Perry, who has been plagued by injuries over recent years, managed to work his way back into health to play a key role in Victoria's amazing win at the 2015 Australian U20 National Championships.
Already boasting an ability to protect the rim, he has been working on his offensive game as he looks to be able to contribute effectively on a consistent basis at both ends of the floor. He attended the Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence and will have another year to further develop prior to hitting the hardwood in Moraga.
Matt Owies | Hawaii
5'11 point guard Matt Owies verbally committed to Hawaii after visiting the campus in September on an official visit.
Matt Owies | Photo credit: FIBA
The starting point guard for the Australian U17 men’s squad at last year’s FIBA U17 World Championship, Owies also receive interest from Washington State, Arkansas (Little Rock) and Northern Colorado.
“Had a couple of offers, but Hawaii just really, really stuck out as the place to go with the culture and everything there,” Owies said after making his pledge.
Hawaii will have two Australians on their roster for the upcoming season in Jack Purchase and Jakob Cornellisen, and with Owie's addition for the 2016/17 season, there will soon be three.
Emmanuel Malou | Iowa State
After attending Yuba College (JUCO), Emmanuel Malou began attracting a lot of attention from well known programs, including Kansas and Oregon. However the 6'9 big man settled on joining the Cyclones, a team that has enjoyed great success over recent years.
Emmanuel Malou
The recruiting attention drawn to Malou followed his outstanding freshman season at Yuba College, where he poured in 14.7 points and 8.5 rebounds a game while shooting 47% from the three point line. He will joins the Cyclones for the 2016/16 season.
"It's uptempo, it's an NBA style, and Coach Prohm really lets the players run," Malou stated.
"I'm glad I can say I'm a Cyclone officially now."
Catch up on all of the latest Australian recruitment news here.