KALAMAZOO, Mich. – On Wednesday Western Michigan men's basketball head coach Steve Hawkins announced the signing of 6-foot-6 forward Kawanise "Squeaky" Wilkins to a National Letter of Intent. From Barton Community College, Wilkins will have three years of eligibility at WMU.

Kawanise "Squeaky" Wilkins • 6-6 • Forward • Chicago, Ill. / Barton Community College
In one year at Barton Community College, Wilkins averaged 14.8 points, 9.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game in one of the premier junior college conferences, the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference (KJCCC). Wilkins was named KJCCC Division I Freshman of the Year and earned First Team All-Jayhawk Conference and First Team All-Region 6 honors.

From the field Wilkins shot a staggering 48.9 percent and knocked down 43 three-pointers. During his freshman campaign at BCC, Wilkins played and started in all 36 games for the Cougars recording 13 double-doubles. The Chicago, Ill., native registered double digit points in 28 games.  

Wilkins led his team to the Elite 8 of the NJCAA National Championship Tournament after finishing the regular season with an overall record of 29-7 and 21-5 in KJCCC play. The 6'6" forward was guided by head coach Craig Fletchall and assistant coach Brad Witherspoon.

The 6'6" forward was offered by multiple schools including Milwaukee, Kent State, Indiana State, Bradley and 2018 Final Four participant Loyola University Chicago. Wilkins will have three years of eligibility at Western Michigan.

Coach Hawkins' Take: "Kawanise "Squeaky" Wilkins is a do it all forward that has an outstanding basketball IQ. He is capable of scoring both inside and outside while possessing a big wide body that is built for success in the Mid-American Conference. Squeaky comes to WMU battled tested after playing in a tough Chicago league out of Farragut High School and in the Jayhawk Conference at Barton CC. He was very well coached by both Wolf Nelson at Farragut and Craig Fletchall at Barton CC.

"Squeaky has a very outgoing personality and will surely be a fan favorite inside University Arena."

Wilkins on WMU: "I chose WMU because of the coaching staff and the overall family feel. The whole team just made me feel welcome and I had an instant connection with the guys."  

Wilkins joins guard William Boyer-Richard as part of the 2018 recruiting class.