Byron Wesley was a prized recruit coming out of High-School. A two time MVP at Etiwanda in California, he was ranked #1 in the State by Cali Sports and graded a very respective 91 on ESPN.
In college he landed at USC and improved every year. His junior season he ave 17.4 ppg, 6.4 rebounds & 2.3 assists, while draining 47.6% from the field and hitting 72% from the free-throw line. Byron even tossed in a couple of 31 point games for fun (see: WSU & Northern Arizona). At 6'5 215 lbs, he is a slasher who can create and finish at the rim with both hands while going right or left. He has a solid mid-range game and strong upper body. Defensively, he is very active with excellent D out to the perimeter.
But things were not all roses at USC. He had previously been suspended twice for violation of team rules. Additionally, his team finished his junior year 11-21, going a woeful 2-16 in conference. Also, the 2014/15 campaign, although adding some exceptional young talent (UNLV transfer Katin Reinhardt & Jordan McLaughlin), looked to be more of the same. Rebuilding while losing. He wanted out and he wanted to go out with a bang.
Given this, when the coveted guard decided to transfer from USC to play his senior year elsewhere, the phone was ringing off the hook. Teams lined up for a look at this skilled veteran. Dozens of early inquiries were whittled down to approx. 8 teams, which were subsequently cut to 5, and now to a final three: Gonzaga, Pitt & Oklahoma State.
He said he wanted to play his senior year on a team with a winning tradition. Gonzaga has been winning to the tune of 80% this past decade and a half. The Zags are perennial winners of the WCC Conference and they practically own stock in the NCAA Dance, having punched a ticket 16 years in a row. It seems they fit the bill.
Wesley also wants to show what he can do on a national stage. Next year the Zags play in the preseason NIT. They play at UCLA and Arizona. Memphis will be coming to the Kennel. SMU might be added. Gonzaga plays in the WCC Tourney in Vegas, has games with BYU & St. Mary's, and every game they play is televised. Oh, and with arguably one of the best teams they have ever fielded set to take the floor next season, they will most likely be dancin' yet again...coverage and national stage galore.
He also wants to be a "big part of the team." Well, Gonzaga has need at the wing. A big need. Angel Nunoz is more of a stretch 4. Gerard Coleman should be playing the 2. So that leaves Kyle Dranginis, who played the point in high school. Dranginis is a very good all around player, but he is not a wing. So who does that leave? No one. So yes, he very well could be a big part of next year's team.
In order to be eligible to play next season he does need to graduate first, but this is considered a forgone conclusion. His AAU Coach has said he is finishing up his undergrad degree at USC this summer in psychology and Wesley himself tweeted that he will be graduating this summer.
His father favors Gonzaga. He likes the veteran-laden team and that the coaches have told him there is a need for his skill set. But, Byron will most likely have a say as well. Of the three schools left vying for his services, it does appear that Gonzaga has the best of what he desires. Maybe he'll put his psychology degree to work and use it to help in his decision making.
So that leaves his visits. Officials are set up at Oklahoma State on 5-2, GU on 5-9, then finishing up at Pitt on 5-16. We should hear the results of his decision soon thereafter.
Will he choose Gonzaga?... We'll see.
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