NBA Future Watch: Blake Wesley Basketball Cards, San Antonio Spurs – Blake Wesley, the hometown boy, came out of Notre Dame with the acclaim usually reserved for gridiron stars, as he became the first one-and-done player in program history. With a father and sister who played college basketball, Wesley unsurprisingly emerged as a four-star prospect out of Riley High School – with 27.1 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 2.5 SPG, 2.1 APG and the Class 4A Sectional Championship as a senior.
Joining a senior-laden roster in college, Wesley wasn’t earmarked for a large role early in the season, but he forced his way to the forefront with his performance. In his November 13, 2021 debut, Wesley became only the second player in the 21st Century to score over 20 points in his initial game in an Irish uniform. Weeks later, Wesley became the third Notre Dame freshman in the 21st Century to score in double-digits in eight of his first ten games. In between those milestones, Wesley’s game-winning shot in his first career home start keyed a huge upset of Kentucky on December 13.
Wesley’s performances stacked up throughout the season, culminating in an 18-point effort that led Notre Dame past Alabama in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Quicker than just about anyone would have thought, Wesley had nothing left to prove at the college level, as he declared for the 2022 NBA Draft and was selected by San Antonio with the 25th pick.
With the Spurs surprisingly moving Dejounte Murray to Atlanta and committing to full-scale rebuilding, the path is clear for Wesley to rack up big minutes immediately at both guard spots. Along with fellow first-round rookie Malaki Branham, Wesley will come in envisioned as a foundation piece for the franchise’s return to prominence.
San Antonio is clearly prepared to take a few years with this process. This will allow Wesley the opportunity to grow his game even beyond what he flashed at Notre Dame. Greater shooting and playmaking consistency can easily be projected, along with a greater ability to withstand the NBA rigors with a bit of additional weight. These positives will be added to a tremendous foundation of a great motor, elite defensive competitiveness and top-level isolation and finishing abilities. Gregg Popovich and Company have bet on Wesley being a key piece of what they project as their next dynasty – and basketball fans over the past 25 years have learned not to bet against them.
NBA Future Watch: Blake Wesley Basketball Cards, San Antonio Spurs – Stats
Statistical Image from Sports Reference 7/18/2022
NBA Future Watch: Blake Wesley Basketball Cards, San Antonio Spurs – More Resources
- Secondary Market Pricing
- Beckett Card Catalog
- 2021-22 Pro Set Power Basketball Cards Checklist
- 2021-22 Leaf Metal Basketball Cards
- NBA.com Player Profile
- Blake Wesley on Instagram
- Blake Wesley on Twitter
NBA Future Watch: Blake Wesley Basketball Cards, San Antonio Spurs – Image Gallery
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