UConn has landed a pledge from St. John’s transfer Sidney Wilson.
“Sid is going to UConn,” his father told ZAGSBLOG.
The 6-foot-7 wing from The Bronx who spent last season at prep power Brewster (N.H.) Academy after transferring from St. Raymond’s High School announced his transfer from St. John’s this week. He must sit out the 2017-18 season and can suit up for the Huskies in 2018-19. UConn is expected to file a waiver request with the NCAA seeking permission for Wilson to play immediately this season.
Sid WilsonNew Heights BasketballUnder Armour AssociationWatch video on Overtime
“It was a difficult decision to leave St. John’s but this was best for Sid and his growth,” Sidney Wilson Sr. told Rivals. “Not just on the basketball court but mentally, as well. Being in the city was more of a burden, which was really the first reason why I moved him from out of it to Brewster. I kind of lost sight of it when he came back.
“Him not being home for a year and a half, I missed him a lot and so did his sister. However, I forgot the initial reason why I moved him: to get some growth and to become comfortable with losing his mother [in 2015].”
“He just wasn’t happy being back at home and it was just the next best alternative as far as the coaching staff and the people that can relate to what he is going through. This can help him mature and still not be too far away from home.”
Wilson initially chose the Red Storm over UConn and Texas.
The No. 19 small forward in the Class of 2017 per 247Sports.com, Wilson averaged 17.2 points and 5.3 rebounds last season for a Brewster team that went 33-0 and won the NEPSAC Class AAA championship and the National Prep Championship.
Sid WilsonBrewster Academy BobcatsNational Prep ChampionshipWatch video on Overtime
“A lot has happened in my life over the last few years,” Wilson said in the St. John’s release. “These factors played a large part in my decision to stay close to home, but unfortunately I recently realized it was not what is best for me at this time to manage adversity in my life.
“I am grateful for the opportunity that St. John’s provided me and for the support of Coach Mullin and the rest of the staff throughout this difficult process,” said Wilson. “In order for me to grow as a person and basketball player, I feel that I need to begin something new to explore what is next in my life. Although I know the grass isn’t always greener, this is a risk I am willing to take for personal reasons.”
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