SPRINGFIELD – Brewster Academy head coach Jason Smith has seen few players like Sebastian Wilkins in his two-plus decades with the program.
“This is my 25th year at Brewster and Sebastian is probably one of my favorites to coach,” Smith said. “He is mature beyond his years… He reminds me a lot of a former player I had years ago called Melvin Ejim. Melvin Ejim came off the bench for us for two years, never complained. He was a captain, with a lot of energy, he finished every game but didn’t start.
“Sebastian has many of the same characteristics as Melvin. You don’t have to direct anything for him, he will continue to produce, he is a leader, mature beyond his years and just a joy to coach.”
Even off the court, on a day-to-day basis, Wilkins’ presence is felt.
“He leads by example, just on a daily basis on campus,” Smith said. “Tell the kids, they pick it up, make sure you’re on time to class. When the guys are changing in the locker room or at the hotel, make sure the guys are on time for the bus and things like that.”
Sebastian Wilkins playing Brewster Academy boys basketball in the 2025 Hoophall Classic.Peyton Doyle
On Saturday, Wilkins, a native of Canton, MA, returned to his home state to play in the 2025 Hoophall Classic in Springfield.
“I definitely like playing here being from Massachusetts,” Wilkins said. “I have a couple of friends coming to see me and the family, so I’m definitely enjoying it.”
Representing Brewster Academy, Wilkins faced IMG Academy at noon on Saturday and lived up to his top 50 ranking.
The 6′8″ forward scored nine points, grabbed seven rebounds and added three assists in the contest.
Two of his assists, which came in the fourth quarter, were on 3-pointers that helped Brewster take a lead and eventually outscore IMG 55-51.
“He’s really improved his ability to shoot the ball from the perimeter, his versatility,” Smith said. “He’s very, very skilled and has versatile parts of his game that he’ll need at the next level.”
Wilkins also played solid defense all afternoon, often matching IMG’s center and switching to Darius Acuff, who is the No. 8 player in the senior class according to ESPN.
“He can hold down four or five positions in high school,” Smith said. “He slides his feet, he defends, he rebounds, he makes shots.”
Sebastian Wilkins protecting Arkansas commit Darius Acuff.Peyton Doyle
Playing center isn’t something that bothers Wilkins, who appears to be a little short at 6′8″
“I just know I’ve got to get him out because my teammates are going to help me rebound,” Wilkins said of guarding the opposing center. “I know my teammates have always had my back.”
For Wilkins, no matter what stats he puts up in the contest, a win is the most important thing.
“It means a lot, we all enjoy being around each other and we all play together,” Wilkins said. “When the team wins, everybody wins, so we all eat.”
Sebastian Wilkins grabs a jumper over Syracuse’s Sadiq White Jr.Peyton Doyle
Although he’s currently a member of the 2026 class, Smith knows Wilkins could have success at the next level as early as next season.
“Oh, he’s going to have an amazing college career,” Smith said. “I’ve been telling him that as much as I’d like him to play on campus next year, he should entertain college options.”
So far, the options for Wilkins as a 2026 graduate are plentiful. Just three days ago, the Mass. native announced that he had received an offer from Arizona State.
“My recruiting is going really well, I have a lot of big programs contacting me frequently,” Wilkins said.
As for visits, Wilkins said, Alabama, Providence, Rutgers and Texas A&M are trying to get him on campus.
“I just want a school to take me in as one of them and look at it as family and try to work with me to not only be a better basketball player, but a better person in general,” Wilkins said.
When it comes to where he sees himself fitting in at the next level, Wilkins knows his versatility can take him anywhere.
“There’s no position these days, so I feel like I could fit in with any type of program,” Wilkins said. “Wherever they need me, I can contribute.”
Sebastian Wilkins holds the ball for Brewster Academy boys basketball.Peyton Doyle
Wilkins and Brewster will play one more game in the Hoophall, facing Oak Hill Academy at 1:00 PM on Sunday.
“It means a lot to me and my teammates,” Wilkins said. “Hoophall is such a historic event and to be able to have two games is truly a blessing.”