Wesley transferring to Gonzaga
Gonzaga landed another key addition to its promising 2014-15 roster. USC transfer Byron Wesley announced Sunday he'll join the Zags.
My unedited article is below.
A couple of things that didn't make the article. Wesley was scheduled to visit Pitt on Friday, but decided to reschedule because that was the same day as USC's graduation ceremonies.
"I talked with my family and we decided this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity (to walk) and we felt it was the best thing for me," said Wesley. "It was nothing against Pitt. Then once I decided Gonzaga was the place for me, I decided not to visit Pitt."
Wesley said coach Mark Few and assistant Donny Daniels visited his home in Southern California. Wesley was joined by his parents when he visited Gonzaga last weekend.
"They were really impressed," Wesley said. "They know the pedigree of Gonzaga basketball and the history and things they've done in the past. My dad is a big basketball fan and really pays attention to all that stuff."
By Jim Meehan
Byron Wesley, a 6-foot-5 wing who led USC in scoring and rebounding last year, will play his senior season for the Gonzaga Bulldogs.
The addition of Wesley is another important piece for the 2014-15 Zags, who return numerous proven players, bring in four recruits and welcome forward Kyle Wiltjer into the mix after a redshirt season.
“The most important thing was the winning culture at Gonzaga,” Wesley said in a phone interview. “They’ve been to the (NCAA) tournament 16 straight times. They’ve won their conference countless times.
“That group of players they have returning, there’s a lot of seasoned veterans and I’m excited to learn from those guys because they’ve had great college experiences. I’m excited to be around a group that knows how to win and can make a run at a national championship.”
The 205-pound Wesley averaged 17.8 points and 6.4 rebounds last season. He equaled his career-high with 31 points against Washington State in March. Wesley averaged 24 points against rival UCLA and had 20 points and 14 boards against Arizona State. He missed two Pac-12 games after being suspended for a team rules violation.
Wesley made 46.7 percent of his shots, including 33.8 percent of 3-pointers, and 71.3 percent at the free-throw line. He attempted 178 free throws, 67 more than the next Trojan. He scored 1,167 career points, No. 23 on USC’s all-time list.
“I just pride myself on competing,” Wesley said. “Every time I get out there I want to be the hardest-working player on the court. I think I bring a certain toughness every day and just wanting to win and be a good teammate.”
Wesley can play multiple positions and figures to compete for a starting spot at ‘3’ (small forward). He’s expected to be eligible immediately when he completes his degree at USC. He’s finishing up two courses this summer.
Wesley roomed with GU’s Gary Bell Jr. at the NBA Top 100 camp prior to their senior years of high school.
