The day Twain Wilson landed on Oahu with his family, he was already on campus at Leilehua High School.

He and younger brother Tyree were going to their classes. Word got around that they like basketball. Mules coach Chad Townsend, a teacher, got wind.

“I saw him in the hallways the tail end of his sophomore year, March or April. The kids said there’s two brothers who came and they play basketball. I heard stories before about other kids and it didn’t turn out what they expected,” Townsend said. “I wanted to see. We were going to start training for Posse (club team) after the (coaches) blackout.”

Wilson was in school clothes, wearing Crocs, when he did some work on the hardwood.

“I said, that’s not bad. After about five minutes of doing drills, I’d seen enough. He said ‘Coach, can I get a dunk?’ I thought he was just tooting his horn. He went up and dunked it. In Crocs,” Townsend said. “It was a pleasant surprise.”

Tyree Wilson wasn’t into basketball quite as much at the time.

“His brother didn’t even want to train that ninth-grade year. He was more of a free spirit, play video games. By his sophomore year, he jumped on our JV team,” Townsend said. “Since then they’ve never missed a practice except for family things. They’re always there.”

That summer of 2022, Twain Wilson began playing year-round with Posse, one of the toughest club teams in the islands. Ever since former assistant coach Joshua Jumawan founded the club nearly a decade earlier, hoopsters from Wahiawa had a way to compete for their community, train nearly every day. That fit the plans that Wilson had. This year, with Wilson averaging 20 points per game in OIA play, Leilehua won the league championship, the first since 1988. They finished third in the state tournament and closed the season 24-5 overall.

Work ethic made the difference. So did having a basketball family. Wilson instantly bonded through a love for battle on the hardwood.

“They just had the competitiveness, the chip on their shoulders. Something to prove. I liked how they’re all high intensity and just want it,” he said. “I built bonds with all the players. We ate out together, did everything together. We got close and built chemistry.”

The Mules came close in 2023, and despite Zelston Militante graduating, there were big hopes for ’24. Wilson put in thousands of shooting reps a week, and there was room for more.

“Now, he’s not afraid to pull it with a hand in his face. High-percentage contested 3s and jump shots,” Townsend added. “The biggest thing he lacked his junior year, his killer instinct. He was a little too unselfish. I saw senior year, it’s time. Carry the load and be a little more selfish. Even senior year some games, I’d get on him. Ten seconds before the half, he defers. I want you taking the last shot.”

Wilson took the chat to heart.

“He just told me this is the year I have to be a leader. However far I go, the team will go. I had to do everything in my ability, whether it’s talking on defense, showing the others, getting them energy to be in the game,” he said.

The best shooter needs to take more shots. Yet, Wilson’s work and perspective are always team first.

“In the regular season, we’re winning by 30 or something in the third quarter, I’ll take him out and whisper to him, ‘You’re done for the night.’ He’ll say, ‘Yes, Coach.’ He’s totally about the team, giving other guys some run and get some experience,” Townsend said.

Wilson’s ascent to a new level kicked in during the postseason. He poured in 31 points with five steals in a 73-67 double-overtime playoff win over Kailua.

“The tape I scouted did not show his true ability,” Surfriders coach Walter Marciel said. “When he played us, it showed. His quickness, pull-up jumpers, leadership on the court, penetration and jumping ability. He has the skills to play at the next level for sure.”

Campbell coach Wyatt Tau agreed.

“This season, he became more of an all-around player. His defense became more aggressive and, with that, his offense became more of a threat,” Tau said.

“He reminds me of Troy McCoy, just not as tall.”

In the OIA championship game against rival Mililani, he pumped in 25 points during the first three quarters, and delivered the ultimate assist to teammate Trystin Stevens, whose corner 3 in the final seconds lifted the Mules to a 49-48 win over Mililani.

He turned in a 32-point performance in the state quarterfinals as Leilehua ousted Kahuku 58-57.

It was one of the most efficient stretches for a high-scoring guard in recent memory. Wilson shot 8-for-13 from the field against Mililani and a scintillating 12-for-14 from the field against Kahuku — 74.1% from the field. That included a combined 8-for-12 from the arc.

One day later, Leilehua’s dream of winning a state championship melted. Punahou’s persistent defenders were on a mission to limit Wilson’s open looks. He came back down to earth just a bit with 17 points on 7-for-15 shooting from the field, with three assists and four steals. The Buffanblu advanced to the state final with a 67-49 win.

Leilehua took the third-place game against Kalaheo 55-44. Wilson shot 8-for-10 from the field, including 3-for-4 from deep, and finished with 19 points and six rebounds.

“He’s athletic, plays hard and can score at all three levels,” Kalaheo coach Rob Pardini said. “He has patience and poise, had to adjust to different defensive looks like face guarding, box-and-1.”

Wilson, ever consistent, was calm, even stoic. If there was heartbreak, he kept it under wraps. A week later, it was time for some fun and new friendships. Wilson scored 26 points, swishing six 3-pointers and throwing down two alley-oop dunks in the Damien Farias Senior Classic at Saint Louis. For the record, his prep career ended with a win as Team Blue outscored Team Red 120-114. Again, his efficiency was remarkable, at least during the game. He didn’t get far in the 3-point challenge before the tip-off.

“I was teasing him after the game. How did you lose a 3-point contest,” Townsend said.

Maybe Wilson just makes them when they really count. He put his faith and dream into action on a daily basis. Wilson is a grinder.

“When he first came he was very twitchy. He’s always had a pretty good set shot,” Townsend recalled. “Couldn’t shoot really good off the move yet, but that started growing over time. He’s always had a smooth jump shot. His ball-handling has been very decent. He just put in so much work. When he’s open, he’s a high-percentage shooter.”

Wilson’s connection with his teammates will always be there. Even on one of his hottest-shooting nights, the ball moves.

“It paid off against Mililani — drew the double team and threw it to Trystin on the flare. The trust he has in his teammates,” Townsend noted. “He doesn’t need that many shots to put up those points. He’s very efficient.”

His sense of responsibility comes from his mom, Daisha, and step-dad, Levi Keeve. The latter is a former sharpshooting hoopster who is a sergeant at Schofield Barracks.

“My dad is an E-7. He was a drill sergeant for a little bit. Now he just helps organize everything around the base and keep everyone in check,” Wilson said. “He’s been in the military since I was 1 or 2. Both of my parents are hard-working. My dad has been playing sports all his life, so I take the most from him. He’s helped me the most.”

Levi and Daisha Keeve bought Wilson a basketball goal when he was 5.

“He would shoot on it all day and night shooting 3-pointers,” Daisha recalled. “When we lived in Colorado, he turned 8 and he started to want to know the game more.”

It was at Richland Northeast where his confidence in scoring began to soar.

“Back in my school I had a couple games where I would just be on. Just got moved up to varsity. I earned my spot and dropped 25,” he recalled.

Daisha Keeve wasn’t surprised, but the thrill was electrifying.

“He was on fire shooting 3s and the. crowd would stand up every time he would shoot. He even splashed a halfcourt 3 right at the halftime buzzer,” she said.

A modest, focused countenance separates Wilson from the pack.

“Twain is more lead by example. He’s kind of quiet. That’s his personality. He’s kind of a typical kid. He and his friends, they’re getting older, but they love playing video games,” Townsend said.

The Mules sometimes bond by going online to play Fortnite. By all accounts, Wilson is a master-level Fortnite boss, entering tournaments. He even had a YouTube channel centered on the game.

“I don’t even use it anymore,” he said of the channel. “I play Fortnite a lot, but it’s not as fun,” he said, noting his affection for NBA2K, Warzone and Madden.

Part sergeant, part big brother. The kinder, gentler kind.

“He won’t pump up his teammates, more lead by example and the guys follow his lead,” Townsend said. “When the guys come in late, he’ll joke around, get your shoes on, what you late for. They get their shoes and follow his example. They see him as one of their leaders without having to say much.”

In an age when some adults berate officials, coaches and opposing teams at games, Wilson has the blessing of sound, grounded support.

“Both his parents, even at the game, they cheer, but they don’t yell much. They’re pretty conservative, a very good supporting family,” Townsend said. “They bring their whole crew, the brother and sister, even summer league games.”

Daisha Reeve counts her blessings, too.

“We are proud that he takes pride in his school work and becoming a leader. He’s a very humble and respectful kid. At home, he takes care of his siblings,” Daisha Reeve said. “Oh yes, and his sense of humor is unmatched.”

The Mules could find more success next season. History is filled with teams that won more games, got deeper into the postseason after losing their biggest star. Learning how to win is the legacy left behind by a leader and playmaker like Wilson.

“I just want them to go ahead and bring that OIA championship back home, have a chance to compete at states. I know it wasn’t the best this year, but I want to see everyone happy and see them go very far,” he said.

It just won’t be quite the same once Wilson embarks on his next chapter.

“Ah, man. There’s a ton of things. I’m not going to lie. It made my job as a coach way easier having a guy like him,” Townsend said. “Leading by example. He doesn’t have to be really loud to get his point across. He’s very easy to coach. If I tell him to fix something, he’ll get it done right off the bat. Just really coachable overall. Whoever coaches him at the next level, he’ll be able to adapt to anything right off the bat.”

Clutch performers are rare to find.

“I’m going to miss his demeanor, his attitude. No moment’s too big for him. His calming nature even before the game, it looks like he’s ready to go to sleep during warmups. He’s ‘I’m good,’ and it rubs off on the team. Smiling and relaxing, that’s what I’m going to miss. Even keeled all the time,” Townsend said.

The future is about moving forward. Working and dreaming are the same for Twain Wilson. A lot of his family are in the South.

“My plans are find a college on the East Coast so I can stay near family,” he said.

There’s a possibility of staying nearby.

“Kupaa Harrison connected him with UH-Hilo. I’m hoping they’re giving him an opportunity,” Townsend said. “The coach seemed interested. Twain’s keeping his options open, being patient. There’s no doubt in my mind someone’s going to pick him up.”

Wilson could wind up becoming a Vulcan if there is a chance.

“Any opportunity that comes my way I’m ready. UH Hilo, I really could do that,” he said.

On Sunday afternoon, Wilson and family are on their way to little sister Maya’s birthday party.

“She’s turning 13. Or 12,” he said. “We got her some snacks and some money.”

Mom and dad realize it’s only a matter of months before the oldest son in the house will be off in the world.

“I will miss him sitting with me on the couch watching my crazy reality shows and laughing,” Daisha said.

“I will miss him making me laugh,” Levi said.

Tyree Wilson will be a senior next season, a 6-3 forward with a lot of potential.

“I want him to stay focused, don’t let any distractions affect you, don’t give up,” Twain said. “Even with one bad game, it doesn’t define you. Keep working hard.”

TWAIN WILSON

Q&A

>> Top 3 movies/shows

1. “Thunderstruck”

2. “All-American”

3. “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom”

>> Top 3 video games

1. NBA2K

2. Call of Duty: Warzone

3. Madden

>> Top 3 foods/drinks

1. Pizza with pepperoni, Italian sausage (Pizza Hut)

2. Spaghetti (Olive Garden)

3. Shrimp fried rice

>> Top 3 homemade food

1. Mom’s shrimp Alfredo

2. Mom’s tuna casserole

3. Mom’s spaghetti

“My mom (Daisha) makes it two to three times a month. She makes a lot of dishes. I can probably make the spaghetti. It’s not as good as hers. My dad makes a very good cornbread. He puts actual corn in it. He probably learned it from his mom or my mom taught him a little. He grills. He makes good ribs.”

>> Top 3 music artists

1. J Cole – “Love Yourz”

2. Kendrick Lamar – “Swimming Pools (Drank)”

3. NBA YoungBoy – “Nevada”

>> Favorite athlete: Kobe Bryant

>> Favorite team: Memphis Grizzlies

“Ja Morant. I think he’s matured and realizes the team needs him. They need him for them to go far.”

>> Funniest teammate: Tyree Wilson

“My brother, his sense of humor, when everyone’s serious or there’s a dull moment at practice. He knows how to make everyone laugh and keep good energy in the gym. He’s just himself.”

>> Smartest teammate: Ui Muti

“The classes he takes, I can’t even pronounce them. He’s very smart.”

>> GPA: 2.961

>> Favorite teacher: Mr. (Russell) Fitzgerald

“He teaches modern Hawaiian history. I had his class when I was a junior. Even outside of school, he would teach us life lessons and how to run your credit card and stuff like that. He was teaching us about Hawaiian history, but he would talk about life lessons. He used to be a basketball coach.”

>> Favorite class: Business

“We’re learning how to buy cars, the perfect home you would start off with, the right decisions with the right payments, credit cards. This class benefits me the most for the future.”

>> Favorite scripture: “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” — 2 Corinthians 5:7

“You can’t expect to see all the progress, but you have to trust the process, put your head down and work, and have faith that God has plans for you.”

>> Hidden talent: Bowling

“I started getting pretty decent when I was 13, 14. We’d go even for birthday parties, but being a competitor, I wanted to beat everybody. I think I touched 150. My high score now is 180-something. I’ve thought about trying out (at Leilehua), but I haven’t done it.”

>> New life skill: “I can’t think of anything.”

>> Bucket list: “I want to first get my driver’s license. Then get a job, make a lot of money. I want to go back to Universal Studios in Florida. The rides were so realistic. Everything was cool. That was when Transformers was cool. I was probably 4 or 5.”

>> Time machine: “I would go back and relive the fun moments we’ve had. Go to my childhood when I had my old friends before I had to leave. South Carolina, Georgia, Colorado.”

>> Youth sports: “I was maybe 6. My first sport was basketball. I did a little bit of everything. Football, soccer. I liked soccer a little bit, just playing against friends at school. I played flag football for three years. Once we moved, I stopped playing football.”

>> If you could go back in time, what would you tell your younger self?

“I would tell my younger self do not give up on your dreams. I was trying to get in the NBA as soon as possible. I’d say keep your head high, do not give up.”

>> Shoutouts: “My family in Tennessee and South Carolina. Shout out my mom and dad, siblings. Shout out to all my old coaches in South Carolina and here in Hawaii. All my past teammates and current ones. Lastly, God.”