MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Morgantown senior basketball guard Steven Solomon on Monday announced he will continue his career at Wichita State.
“They’re giving me a scholarship for the summer, but it’s a preferred walk-on spot because they don’t have any scholarships left for the fall,” Solomon said. “I’m just going to go in, work hard and try to be the best player I can be. Hopefully I can impress the coaches enough that they will feel comfortable putting the ball in my hands from the start.”
Solomon also had a preferred walk-on offer from WVU, along with several Division II options out of the Mountain East Conference.
But the opportunity with the Shockers had the better overall fit. Solomon pointed to the chance for playing time at a Division I program that has had plenty of recent success in the NCAA tournament, advancing into the tournament field for four straight years, including a trip to the Final Four in 2013.
It ends a recruiting process that was up and down for Solomon as he ultimately didn’t receive a D-I full-scholarship offer.
“It definitely was frustrating. But I’m really glad I waited this long and I feel like I made the right decision to be a part of Wichita State,” he said. “It’s a dream come true. I’ve been dreaming of playing in the NCAA tournament for as long as I can remember.”
Solomon averaged 18 points per game and shot 54 percent from the floor during his senior year, helping lead Morgantown to a perfect season and Class AAA title. But he only recently jumped on Wichita State’s radar.
“A week ago, in the second live period, I was playing in a tournament with Big Shots Elite in North Carolina,” Solomon said. “One of Wichita State’s assistants was at the tournament, he liked me a lot and wanted me to come to campus and visit. The visit was great and I felt like I wanted to commit to them and be a part of Shocker Nation.
“It’s been a great all-around weekend and a great experience,” he continued. “Everyone’s been happy for me and all of the support has been great from family, coaches and friends in Morgantown.”