Exclusive: App State HC Dustin Kerns on what to know about new Syracuse big Luke Wilson

Before his second season, he broke his foot. While he was part of App State’s rotation, playing 11.9 minutes per game in 30 contests, he was towards the back of the rotation. But he came out of the year affirmed and most importantly, healthy.

“What’s exciting for Syracuse is that last year was really the first year in his life that he had a spring, summer, and season playing basketball,” Kerns said. “I think that should be really exciting. The fact that this guy is going to get even better and better.”

That focus on basketball helped him break out, he averaged 10.7 points and 8.3 rebounds per game, and joining Abson as Mountaineer big men to win Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year, He led App State’s defense to being the best in the Sun Belt, and tops in 2-point percentage allowed.

But what did that focus actually look like?

“The more film work that he’s done, the more weight room work, he’s just really fallen in love with the game,” Kerns said. “And I think when you’re a big guy, when that happens, the ceiling is miles high.”

So what type of player is Syracuse getting in Wilson? Aside from the obvious defensive accolades.

“His best basketball is ahead of him,” Kerns said. “He uses his body really well, he’s got really good footwork. He’s also drawn some double teams, so he’s become a really good passer out of double teams. And then I just think he plays hard. He’s got a consistent motor. And it’s been a big part of his success.”

Kerns will remember Wilson’s presence.

“He’s got a presence on both ends of the floor,” he said. “He plays with great energy to him, he’s got passion. He just finds a way to impact the game. We almost became surprised when he didn’t have a double-double this year.“

Wilson’s game is almost entirely around the rim. Spillers was the same way at App State, but developed a little more of a floor game, allowing him to be more versatile in the ACC. He was one of Wake Forest’s more consistent players over the last two years. Abson never really added that element, and was a useful rim protector, but stuffed behind Somto Cyril on the Georgia depth chart.

Meanwhile, Huntley had more of a jump shot and floor game from the start at App State, and it has helped him get to the NBA with the Phoenix Suns.

So how does Wilson fit into that long term?

“He’s actually got a nice touch from three, I’ve seen him make threes,” Kerns said. “I definitely think that could continue to become part of his game.”

While that could help the Orange space the floor, it’s not his primary goal. He’s in Syracuse to defend, dunk, and work. And that’s what he’ll do.