A new talent is rapidly ascending in Las Vegas, where basketball stars shine bright on the desert horizon. As Mojave High School graduate CJ Shaw takes his elite finishing skills to the collegiate level at Santa Barbara College, a young heir apparent has emerged in Koi Wilkins. Despite being only an 8th grader at Rogich Middle School, Wilkins has already captured the attention of the Las Vegas basketball community as the city’s new premier finisher around the rim.

Taking the Mantle – Vegas’s Next Great Finisher

CJ Shaw became a Las Vegas basketball legend at Mojave High School. His exceptional finishing ability helped lead the Rattlers to back-to-back 4A state championships and an impressive 5A state championship game appearance. That remarkable journey culminated in a Division I commitment to Santa Barbara College, cementing Shaw’s legacy as one of the city’s elite talents.

The basketball community has now identified Wilkins as the natural successor to Shaw’s throne. Despite his young age, Wilkins showcases an uncanny ability to complete difficult layups while absorbing contact at the rim – a skillset that has drawn immediate comparisons to Shaw. Basketball insiders throughout Las Vegas have taken notice of the Vegas Elite Nike Jr EYBL team member’s unique talents, particularly after his stellar 30-point performance against Team WhyNot at the recent “Top 40” event, displaying finishing prowess well beyond his years.

Foundations of Greatness – Family & Fundamentals

Wilkins’s journey to basketball excellence began with an unexpected pivot. Initially guided toward soccer by his late father “Big Kevin,” Koi eventually transitioned to basketball – a move that would unlock his true athletic potential. This shift allowed his father to become his primary basketball mentor, emphasizing fundamental skills through countless repetitive drills that built the foundation for his current success.

Wilkins’s extraordinarily high basketball IQ separates him from many of his peers. From an early age, he demonstrated a mature understanding of basketball concepts, developing a passionate dedication to the sport that extends beyond practice. His commitment includes extensive viewing of basketball footage and consistent visualization of himself competing against top-tier talent – mental preparation that translates directly to his on-court performance.

Triumph Through Adversity – Resilience and Determination

Wilkins’s rise to prominence is made even more remarkable by the numerous obstacles he’s overcome. Diagnosed with Sever’s disease at a young age, he has managed chronic pain while continuing to develop his game. Additionally, Wilkins lives with Type 1 Diabetes, requiring careful health management while pursuing athletic excellence.

The young star’s resilience has been further tested through multiple injuries, including a collarbone fracture, a shoulder injury, and most recently, a fractured ankle. Rather than allowing these setbacks to derail his progress, Wilkins has used each challenge to strengthen his character and deepen his passion for basketball – returning to the court each time with renewed determination.

Dominant Performances – Making an Immediate Impact

As a prestigious Vegas Elite Nike Jr EYBL squad member, Wilkins has already established himself as a difference-maker. His contributions were instrumental in the team’s impressive 4-0 start this summer on the EYBL circuit, where his scoring and finishing abilities stood out even when competing against older competition.

His recent performance at the Top 40 event further solidified his reputation as a rising star. After returning from injury, Wilkins delivered under pressure with 23 points against PG before exploding for a 30-point showcase against Team WhyNot. These impressive outings, mainly after recovery from injury, demonstrate his physical talents, mental toughness, and competitive drive.

Community Impact & Future Prospects

Wilkins’s influence extends beyond club basketball and into his school community. As a key player for Rogich Middle School, he has helped lead the team to consecutive championships—an achievement that may represent a historic first for the program. His leadership and impact have resonated throughout his school and the broader Las Vegas community.

Wilkins has already set ambitious goals for his future basketball career. He has expressed specific aspirations to play collegiate basketball for Penny Hardaway at Memphis or Baylor University. His rising profile inspires other young Las Vegas athletes, showing what’s possible through dedication, resilience, and passion for the game.

The Next Chapter in Las Vegas Basketball

Koi Wilkins represents the bright future of Las Vegas basketball. His exceptional finishing skills, resilience through adversity, and continued development make him a player the entire community can proudly support. As he continues his journey from middle school phenom to potential high school star, Wilkins carries forward the rich basketball tradition players like CJ Shaw helped establish while writing his unique chapter in the city’s sporting legacy.

Las Vegas’s basketball courts have long been a proving ground for exceptional talent. In Koi Wilkins, the city has found its next standard-bearer—a young athlete whose game, character, and perseverance embody the very best of what makes Las Vegas basketball special.