Wendell Wright is one of three University of South Alabama men’s basketball newcomers to have previous Division I experience. Wright spent his freshman campaign at Portland State where he helped the Vikings get to the NCAA Tournament. After playing a year in junior college, he took a year off before signing with the Jaguars. Wright spoke with USAJaguars.com and talked about his year off from the game and his favorite part about playing basketball.
When and why did you start playing basketball?
I started playing when I was about six years old. My dad put me in a local park league. He kind of forced me to play, but I liked it so I didn’t have a problem with it. My brother played, my sister played and my mom played—I always got support from my family. My dad told me stories about how good he was so I always wanted to top that.
Why did you choose South Alabama?
Coach Arrow was recruiting me and when the head coach is recruiting you it’s always a good thing. Plus I liked that fact that we’re sponsored by Nike.
Talk about your journey to get here.
My freshman year at Portland State was good because we got to the NCAA Tournament. I had a good season my sophomore year at Santa Ana (Community College), got first team all-conference and made it to the second round of the playoffs. Sitting out last season was tough because I had to watch everyone else play, but I was working hard, worked on my jump shot, lifted weights and tried to get better for this season.
How will your year off from the game affect you this season?
I hope it will affect me positively. I think I’ve gotten better over that year off. I’m getting in better shape, which might be the only bad thing from not playing. But I got up a thousand shots per day, lifted weights and practiced with my high school team to keep my defensive skills fine-tuned.
How will your year of experience at Portland State help you adapt quicker to the Division I style of play?
I know the speed of the game and I know how strong the players are. I know what it takes to be successful out there on the court.
When people watch you play, what kind of player do they see?
They see an athletic wing player that gets other players involved. I can find the open shooter or a guy in the post for an easy layup. I can create shots for other players very easily.
What do you consider the strongest part of your game and why?
My athleticism and my ability to create for others because that’s what I’ve had the most success doing.
What do you enjoy the most about the game of basketball?
Winning—simple as that. Winning is a good feeling, especially beating a rival team or being at a championship level.
What are your expectations of yourself this season?
I just want to help the team any way I can. Maybe dunk on a few players and get the crowd hyped up. But besides that, just help the team win some games.
What are you looking forward to the most this season?
Playing against LSU, Florida State and Mississippi State, and then getting to the conference tournament and winning that so we can get to the NCAA Tournament.
What pro athlete do you look up to and why?
I like Kobe Bryant and Russell Westbrook, because I like their games, and of non-basketball players, Barry Sanders.
Other than basketball what are some of the things you’re into off the court?
I like to sleep, eat, play Xbox and hang out with friends.
Quick Hits
Favorite NBA team: The Lakers
Favorite college team growing up: Southern California
Favorite sport other than basketball: Pro football
Favorite musical artist: Kid Cudi and Kanye West
Favorite class: Math
Favorite movie: House Party
For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).
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