For Wesley Person Jr., basketball isn’t just a passion, it’s a way of life. The game has been woven into the fabric of his identity for as long as he can remember. As the son of former NBA veteran Wesley Person Sr., who enjoyed a successful career in the NBA, Wesley Jr. grew up surrounded by basketball greatness. But rather than following directly in his father’s footsteps, he’s built a journey that is uniquely his own grinding through college dominance and now carving out a professional career in Europe. That early exposure to the game laid the foundation for what became a standout collegiate career at Troy University. Wesley Jr. didn’t just make a name for himself, he rewrote the record books. Named the 2015 Sun Belt Conference Freshman of the Year, he went on to become a four-time All-Conference selection and earned Sun Belt Tournament MVP honors in 2017, leading Troy to an NCAA Tournament appearance. He finished his collegiate career as Troy University’s all-time leading scorer with 2,063 points and remains the Sun Belt Conference’s all-time leader in three-pointers made with 361. A testament to his consistency, range, and relentless work ethic. After college, Person took his talents overseas, stepping into the world of professional basketball in Europe, a path that has tested and refined his game in new ways. While his journey has taken him thousands of miles from home, Wesley’s heart remains firmly rooted in Brantley, Alabama, where he dedicates time in the offseason to training and mentoring kids in the community. Now fully immersed in his professional journey, Wesley Person Jr. continues to evolve, not just as a player, but as a leader and mentor. His path may have begun under the shadow of an NBA legacy, but today, it’s clear that Wesley Jr. is walking in no one’s footsteps but his own.
Today we’d like to introduce you to Wesley Person Jr.
What first inspired you to start playing basketball?
With my dad Wesley Person Sr. playing in the NBA for many years, I grew up around basketball so that was all I really knew from a young age. I was pretty young at the time, but being able to be around the game and watch him play at the highest level really inspired me to begin playing myself.
Can you describe your journey from youth leagues to the pros?
So I probably began playing rec leagues around the age of 4 or 5; playing up with the older kids because I was a bit advanced for that age. I continued playing recreational basketball up until around age 10; this is the age where I began playing in AAU tournaments during the spring and summer months. I got my first taste of high school varsity basketball as a 13 year old in the highest public school classification in Alabama. I played in the Nike EYBL AAU circuit for 2 summers with the Alabama Challenge during my older high school years, and finished my high school career playing 1A public school ball in Alabama. I spent four years at Troy University before signing my first professional contract to play in Italy.
Was there a moment when you knew you’d make it to the professional level?
From a very young age, I always had the belief that I would make it to the professional level of basketball. At age 10 during my first AAU tournament, I scored 42 points and signed my first autograph afterwards. So at that point, I knew in my head that I was destined for a long career.
Which players did you look up to growing up?
My dad, Wesley Person Sr of course. I was lucky enough to grow up with my hero inside of my household. My uncle Chuck Person “The Rifleman”, an NBA legend himself was also another family member and played that I looked up to. My favorite player growing up though was Allen Iverson. I vividly remember him bringing me into the Sixers guest locker room with him to hang out for a bit, and sending me off with some signed game-worn AI jerseys that I still have to this day.
What was your welcome-to-the-league moment?
The league in Italy was full of veteran guards who could really score the ball at a high clip. Adam Smith was probably the first player ever to score 30 points against me, at the moment I knew I would need to work much harder on the defensive end if I wanted to be able to compete with the best in Europe. I’d also like to highlight guys such as LaMarshall Corbett, Aaron Thomas, and Andre Jones. They are pretty well known players in the European hoops stratosphere and all of them gave me buckets LOL.
What’s your daily routine like during the season?
Light breakfast and a morning walk before shoot around. Lunch is usually pasta or salmon. Reading and Meditation before my pregame nap. Coffee, Chess, and a good stretch afterwards and then i’m ready for the game warm ups.
How do you mentally prepare for big games or tough matchups?
Preparation has been key for me. I study film so I am more comfortable with the game plan and gathering tendencies of my tougher matchups. Also, having a clear mental headspace is important so reading and meditation has been a huge help in getting me ready to perform.
What’s been your biggest mental challenge in your career?
I suffered a pretty horrific car accident after my first season playing professionally so it was a whirlwind of emotions for me from that point on. I still struggle to this day mentally dealing with the aftermath of what occurred, and that stress has definitely affected me at times while playing and performing. This has even led me to give up basketball for a season because emotionally it was difficult for me to deal with and play. I also had four different eye surgeries during that off season, so I had to reinvent how I played the game of basketball.
How do you stay motivated during losing streaks or slumps?
At the professional level, there is always pressure to perform at your highest level and to win of course. I think the fear of losing your job is always extra motivation in the back of your head. I always fall back on my work when things are going well so more reps to gain that confidence back has always been my go to. Losing games is a part of competitive sports so it’s always key to stay positive and maintain that comradery and high spirits with your teammates, so things don’t snowball.
What’s the most intense game you’ve ever played in?
I have had the opportunity to play in a state championship game while in high school. Also, I played in a conference championship game in college and then went on to play against Duke in the first round of the NCAA tournament. All were amazing atmospheres, but nothing has come close to the energy and passion that the fans carry in European basketball. I had the opportunity to play against Virtus Bologna a couple of years before they made it into the Euro-League. They had just secured the league title and the game against them had to be stopped for 10 minutes because the fans flooded the court with toilet paper and countless flares lit up the arena.
Which matchup do you look forward to the most each season?
Playing and competing against the best are always games that I circle early in the season. The league’s best team or highest budget teams are always those games that I look forward to, to see how I stack up against the most talented teams. Also, games against the league’s best scorer or highest regarded guards are games that I look forward to competing in as well.
What part of your game are you constantly working to improve?
Ball Handling and overall point guard skills. I have been a wing scorer my whole life so being able to do that as well as run a team and be more effective on the ball has been a focal point for me every summer.
How do you define leadership on and off the court?
Leadership can mean many different things when it comes to a team because there are countless things that go into leading a competitive group of grown men. I have always been one to lead by example with my hard work, positive energy, and professional approach every day. Leadership on court is someone who can demand excellence on the court through their strong voice, but also one is able to then follow that up with their positive actions as well. Off the court, it is building meaningful relationships with every one on the team. Being early and prepared every day to work, and setting a good example of how a professional should carry themselves in the community as well.
Can you share a moment when your team overcame adversity together?
I won a total of 21 out of 65 games my first couple of years at Troy. Up until that point I had never really known what it felt like to lose to that extent and to lose often. I simply hated it and definitely contemplated transferring out of Troy because I knew with the personal success that I had the first couple of seasons, I would be able to transfer into a much better situation. My coach, Phil Cunningham, sat me down in his office that summer and gave me a speech about his time at Georgia State under legendary coach Lefty Driesell and explained how things turned around in their fourth season resulting in a championship. Ironically enough, he was entering his fourth season as the head coach of Troy University and we went on to win the Sunbelt Conference Championship that same year. We kept the same young core but added in some huge additions to the team such as Kevin Baker, Juan Davis, and Devon Walker. These guys really brought in that competitive atmosphere that our program definitely needed and that made all the difference in our performance that season.
How do you use your platform to impact your community?
Every summer since going on to play professionally, I have spent time training and coaching kids at my home in Brantley, Alabama. It is important for me to give back and pass on all the knowledge that I have gained throughout my career. I hope that one day these kids can do the same for the next generation.
What’s a typical offseason like for you?
I spent my whole summer back home in Brantley, Alabama with my family. I spend a lot of time training with my dad Wesley Person and also my uncle Chuck Person, as I mentioned earlier. I also spend my summer months helping out with my former high school team as well. There is not much traveling for me, as I really like to focus on things to improve on for the next season.
What are your interests or passions outside of basketball?
Basketball consumes a huge chunk of my life so even when I’m not actively playing or studying film, I’m watching basketball podcasts or other games on the TV. My family is important to me so spending as much time with them as I can is huge for me. I’m a huge sports guy, so I find myself keeping up with other sports such as Golf, Football, Baseball, and Boxing.
Have you thought about life after basketball, coaching, business, etc.?
I received my Bachelor’s Degree at Troy University in Finance. I had the opportunity to do some corporate accounting in the year I took off from basketball. Also, I have spent my summers coaching. These are areas that I am most familiar with. I will most likely end up doing something that involves basketball in some sort, so I have thought about possibly becoming an agent or even taking on some front office roles for an organization.
What’s one piece of advice you give to younger teammates?
Have fun and do things with a smile on your face. We are blessed to be able to play the sport that we love for a living, so don’t take these moments for granted because it will come and go in a flash.
What legacy do you want to leave behind when your career is over?
This is a tough question to answer at the moment because I’m not far enough in my career yet to write my ceiling. I will continue to work hard and hope that I created lasting memories with fans and people that I received the honor of sharing the court with.
Photos Credit: @ellajalava.sportsphotography
