Tai Wesley

{{Infobox basketball biography

| name = Tai Wesley

| image =

| image_size =

| caption =

| position = Power forward

| height_ft = 6

| height_in = 7

| weight_lb = 240

| league =

| team =

| number =

| nationality = American

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|mf=yes|1986|5|13}}

| birth_place = Orem, Utah

| high_school = Provo (Provo, Utah)

| college = Utah State (2007–2011)

| draft_year = 2011

| career_start = 2011

| career_end = 2020

| years1 = 2011–2012

| team1 = Den Bosch

| years2 = 2012–2013

| team2 = SPO Rouen

| years3 = 2013–2014

| team3 = Den Bosch

| years4 = 2014–2015

| team4 = Southland Sharks

| years5 = 2014–2016

| team5 = New Zealand Breakers

| years6 = 2016–2017

| team6 = Wellington Saints

| years7 = 2016–2018

| team7 = Melbourne United

| years8 = 2018–2019

| team8 = New Zealand Breakers

| years9 = 2019

| team9 = Brujos de Guayama

| years10 = 2019–2020

| team10 = South East Melbourne Phoenix

| highlights =

2× NBL champion (2015, 2018)
All-NBL Second Team (2018)
3× NZNBL champion (2015–2017)
2× NZNBL Finals MVP (2015, 2016)
2× NZNBL All-Star Five (2015, 2017)
DBL champion (2012)
Dutch Supercup champion (2013)
2× All-DBL Team (2012, 2014)
DBL Statistical Player of the Year (2012)
2× DBL All-Star (2012, 2014)
WAC Player of the Year (2011)
2× First-team All-WAC (2010, 2011)
Utah Mr. Basketball (2004)

| medaltemplates =

{{MedalCountry|{{GUM}}}}

}}

Tai William Evans Wesley (born May 13, 1986) is an American professional basketball player. He played college basketball for the Utah State Aggies, where he was named the Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year in 2011. After beginning his career with successful stints in Europe, he made a name for himself in Australia and New Zealand, winning two Australian NBL championships and three New Zealand NBL championships. Wesley also represented the Guam national team on numerous occasions.

Early life

Wesley was born in Orem, Utah to Susan and Hiagi Wesley.{{cite web|url=http://www.utahstateaggies.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/wesley_tai00.html|title=Tai Wesley Bio|work=UtahStateAggies.com|access-date=June 5, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140607003528/http://www.utahstateaggies.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/wesley_tai00.html |archive-date=June 7, 2014}}{{cite web|url=https://utahstateaggies.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/tai-wesley/4837|title=Tai Wesley Bio|work=UtahStateAggies.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710083936/https://utahstateaggies.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/tai-wesley/4837 |archive-date=July 10, 2020}} He lived in Guam from age 5–11 while his father worked at the University of Guam.{{cite web|url=http://www.nzbreakers.co.nz/article/id/1t5nf54wtepks104707gbke3x1 |title=Q+A With Tai Wesley |work=NZBreakers.com.nz |date=July 22, 2014 |access-date=July 22, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140809032126/http://www.nzbreakers.co.nz/article/id/1t5nf54wtepks104707gbke3x1 |archive-date=August 9, 2014}}{{cite web|last=Hinton|first=Marc|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/10296516/Wesley-arrival-gives-Breakers-food-for-thought|title=Wesley arrival gives Breakers food for thought|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=July 23, 2014|access-date=July 23, 2014}} The family then returned to Utah where Wesley attended Provo High School.

At Provo, Wesley played for school's basketball team and was named Mr. Basketball in the state of Utah by the Deseret News and the 4A Most Valuable Player by the Salt Lake Tribune as a prep senior. He averaged 16.7 points, eight rebounds, four assists, two blocks and one steal per game during his senior season, while shooting 65 percent from the field. He led Provo to the state title and was named tournament MVP after averaging 19.3 points in four games.

College career

After redshirting the 2004–05 season, Wesley did not join the Utah State Aggies until the 2007–08 season after he went on a two-year Mormon mission to Oaxaca, Mexico.

Wesley started 24 games and played in all 35 in his first season at Utah State. He finished the year averaging 9.9 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists, while shooting 63.5 percent from the field and 72.2 percent from the free throw line.{{cite web | url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/tai-wesley-1.html | title=Tai Wesley Stats | work=Sports-Reference.com | access-date=June 5, 2014}}

As a sophomore in 2008–09, Wesley started all 35 games and finished the season averaging 12.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game, while shooting 59.2 percent from the field and 68.4 percent from the free throw line. He subsequently earned NABC All-District 6 second team honors. He was also named to the WAC all-tournament team after averaging 10.0 points, 8.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists in helping the Aggies win the WAC tournament.

As a junior in 2009–10, Wesley started all 35 games and averaged 13.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.3 blocks. He subsequently earned first-team all-WAC and NABC All-District 6 second team honors. He was also named to the WAC all-tournament team for the second straight year after averaging 13.0 points, 9.0 rebounds and 4.3 assists in helping the Aggies reach the final of the WAC tournament.

As a senior in 2010–11, Wesley was the cornerstone of the team, leading the Aggies in points, rebounds and steals per game. He earned honorable mention Associated Press All-America honors as well as being named the WAC Player of the Year. He was also named first-team all-WAC for the second consecutive season. He averaged career-best marks of 14.8 points and 8.0 rebounds per game, to go along with 2.1 assists per game. He started all 34 games, making it three consecutive seasons without missing a start to move to third in total career starts at USU (128). He also averaged 16.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game during the WAC tournament to make the WAC all-tournament team for the third consecutive year while helping the Aggies win their second tournament title in three years.

Professional career

=Europe (2011–2014)=

After attending a pre-draft workout with the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves,{{cite news|title=Wolves to workout Kanter, Williams on Thursday|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2011-06-14-320716240_x.htm|access-date=June 28, 2011|work=USAToday.com|date=June 14, 2011}}{{cite news|title=USU Hoops: Wesley's NBA look|url=http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/blogsususports/52020360-55/wesley-nba-mekeli-tai.html.csp|access-date=June 28, 2011|work=SLTrib.com|date=June 16, 2011}} Wesley moved to the Netherlands for the 2011–12 season, beginning his professional career with Den Bosch of the Dutch Basketball League.{{cite web|title=EiffelTowers strikt Amerikaan Tai Wesley|url=http://www.omroepbrabant.nl/?news/1567941263/EiffelTowers+strikt+Amerikaan+Tai+Wesley.aspx|work=OmroepBrabant.nl|access-date=June 5, 2014|date=June 15, 2011|language=nl}}{{cite news|title=Tai Wesley signs 1 year deal with Dutch team|url=http://www.usustats.com/blog/2011/06/15/tai-wesley-signs-1-year-deal-with-dutch-team/|access-date=June 28, 2011|work=usustats.com|date=June 15, 2011}} In 41 games, he averaged 13.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.0 blocks per game.

For the 2012–13 season, Wesley moved to France to play for SPO Rouen Basket of the LNB Pro B.{{cite news|title=ShamSports.com: Tai Wesley player profile|url=http://data.shamsports.com/content/pages/playerProfiles/profileDisplay.jsp?id=1732|access-date=June 5, 2014|work=ShamSports.com}} In 33 games, he averaged 12.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.2 steals per game.

Wesley returned to the Netherlands and Den Bosch for the 2013–14 season.{{cite web | url=http://www.sportando.com/en/cups/eurochallenge/104703/spm-shoeters-add-tai-wesley-david-gonzalvez.html | title=SPM Shoeters add Tai Wesley, David Gonzalvez | work=Sportando.com | date=August 7, 2013 | access-date=June 5, 2014}}{{cite web|title=Oude bekenden Wesley en Gonzalvez terug in Den Bosch|url=http://www.bd.nl/sport/basketbal/oude-bekenden-wesley-en-gonzalvez-terug-in-den-bosch-1.3947345 |access-date=June 5, 2014|work=BD.nl|date=August 7, 2013|language=nl}} In 45 league games, he averaged 14.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.7 steals per game. He also averaged 17.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.0 steals in six EuroChallenge games. He was subsequently named to the All-DBL Team.{{cite web |url=http://ibasketball.nl/meeste-seizoenprijzen-naar-gasterra-flames/ |title=Meeste seizoenprijzen naar GasTerra Flames |work=iBasketball.nl |date=April 21, 2014 |access-date=June 5, 2014 |language=nl |archive-date=April 22, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140422233305/http://ibasketball.nl/meeste-seizoenprijzen-naar-gasterra-flames/ |url-status=dead }}

=New Zealand (2014–2017)=

In June 2014, Wesley moved to New Zealand to play for the Southland Sharks.{{cite web | last=Savory | first=Logan | url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/10120438/Southland-Sharks-bulk-up-their-sagging-stocks | title=Southland Sharks bulk up their sagging stocks | work=Stuff.co.nz | date=June 5, 2014 | access-date=June 5, 2014}} He qualified as a non-restricted player via the FIBA Oceania Pacific Island rule due to his Fijian heritage and association with Guam Basketball. In eight games to finish the 2014 New Zealand NBL season, he averaged 16.0 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.1 steals per game.{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsportspulse.com/team_info.cgi?action=PSTATS&pID=198285343&client=11-8336-114265-356729-23059885 |title=Player statistics for Tai Wesley – NZNBL |work=FoxSportsPulse.com |access-date=January 13, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113054616/http://www.foxsportspulse.com/team_info.cgi?action=PSTATS&pID=198285343&client=11-8336-114265-356729-23059885 |archive-date=January 13, 2016 }}

As a result of his form with the Sharks, Wesley was offered a contract by the New Zealand Breakers to play in the Australian NBL.{{cite web | last=Savory | first=Logan | url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/10712518/Southland-Sharks-snare-Wesley-for-second-stint | title=Southland Sharks snare Wesley for second stint | work=Stuff.co.nz | date=November 7, 2014 | access-date=November 8, 2014}} He signed with the Breakers for the 2014–15 NBL season,{{cite web|url=http://www.nzbreakers.co.nz/article/id/141mimi8clme91ir34n7syi7m9 |title=BREAKERS SIGN GUAM INTERNATIONAL TO ROSTER |work=NZBreakers.com.nz |date=July 22, 2014 |access-date=July 22, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808173257/http://www.nzbreakers.co.nz/article/id/141mimi8clme91ir34n7syi7m9 |archive-date=August 8, 2014}}{{cite web | url=http://www.3news.co.nz/New-Zealand-Breakers-sign-power-forward-Tai-Wesley/tabid/415/articleID/353698/Default.aspx | title=New Zealand Breakers sign power forward Tai Wesley | work=3News.co.nz | date=July 22, 2014 | access-date=July 22, 2014}} going on to earn player of the week honors for round 12{{cite web|url=http://www.nbl.com.au/article/id/8k5slhltt2461kfbt9je3kyis |title=R12 Player of the Week: Tai Wesley |work=NBL.com.au |date=December 31, 2014 |access-date=December 31, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141231070336/http://www.nbl.com.au/article/id/8k5slhltt2461kfbt9je3kyis |archive-date=December 31, 2014}} and helping the Breakers win the championship with a 2–1 grand final series victory over the Cairns Taipans.{{cite web|last=Anderson |first=Niall |title=Ibekwe Historics Lead To Fourth Title For Breakers |url=http://nzhoops.co.nz/ibekwe-breakers-taipans/ |work=NZhoops.co.nz |date=March 8, 2015 |access-date=October 14, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113190104/http://nzhoops.co.nz/ibekwe-breakers-taipans/ |archive-date=January 13, 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.nbl.com.au/article/id/19rxbkuuo4bp91tid253imw1id |title=Grand Final Report: Ibekwe jumper wins Breakers the Championship |work=NBL.com.au |date=March 8, 2015 |access-date=October 14, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150311165633/http://www.nbl.com.au/article/id/19rxbkuuo4bp91tid253imw1id |archive-date=March 11, 2015}} In 32 games, he averaged 8.0 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game.{{cite web | url=http://www.foxsportspulse.com/team_info.cgi?action=PSTATS&pID=198791958&client=0-189-12317-327335-19755578 | title=Player statistics for Tai Wesley – ANBL | work=FoxSportsPulse.com | access-date=January 13, 2016}}

Wesley remained in New Zealand and re-joined the Southland Sharks for the 2015 New Zealand NBL season. He was twice named player of the week{{cite web | url=http://www.basketball.org.nz/News/wesley-and-fuller-are-joint-players-of-the-week-1 | title=WESLEY AND FULLER ARE JOINT PLAYER'S OF THE WEEK | work=Basketball.org.nz | date=April 14, 2015 | access-date=April 14, 2015}}{{cite web | url=http://www.basketball.org.nz/News/craig-and-wesley-win-weekly-award | title=CRAIG AND WESLEY WIN WEEKLY AWARD | work=Basketball.org.nz | date=June 18, 2015 | access-date=June 18, 2015}} before earning Finals MVP honors after helping the Sharks win the championship with a 72–68 win over the Wellington Saints in the grand final.{{cite web|last=Hyslop|first=Liam|title=Southland Sharks beat Wellington Saints in tense NBL final|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/69970506/southland-sharks-beat-wellington-saints-in-tense-nbl-final|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=July 5, 2015|access-date=July 5, 2015}} In 20 games, he averaged 18.4 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.8 blocks per game.

Wesley re-joined the Breakers for the 2015–16 NBL season{{cite news|url=http://www.nzbreakers.co.nz/article/id/4f1maw2fwf591bmxos3b95kb0 |title=BREAKERS ADD ANOTHER TO THE CLASS OF 2015/16 |work=NZBreakers.com.nz |date=May 15, 2015 |access-date=May 15, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518220158/http://www.nzbreakers.co.nz/article/id/4f1maw2fwf591bmxos3b95kb0 |archive-date=May 18, 2015}} and was experimented at the centre position after he improved his fitness and lowered his weight during the off-season.{{cite web | last=Hinton | first=Marc | url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/72612850/small-ball-rules-as-nz-breakers-chase-another-aussie-nbl-championship | title=Small ball rules as NZ Breakers chase another Aussie NBL championship | work=Stuff.co.nz | date=October 4, 2015 | access-date=October 4, 2015}} He started the season in good form before missing time in November 2015 with appendicitis.{{cite web | last=Hinton | first=Marc | url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/73960607/setback-for-breakers-as-forward-tai-wesley-ruled-out-after-appendix-op | title=Setback for Breakers as forward Tai Wesley ruled out after appendix op | work=Stuff.co.nz | date=November 12, 2015 | access-date=November 12, 2015}} He helped the Breakers return to the NBL Grand Final series,{{cite web | last=Hinton | first=Marc | url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/76900951/inform-tai-wesley-expects-double-trouble-from-melbourne-in-nbl-semis | title=In-form Tai Wesley expects double trouble from Melbourne in NBL semis | work=Stuff.co.nz | date=February 15, 2016 | access-date=February 15, 2016}} where they lost 2–1 to the Perth Wildcats.{{cite web|title=GF3 REPORT: WILDCATS BREAK NZ HOODOO FOR ANOTHER TITLE|url=http://www.nbl.com.au/featured-news/gf3-report-wildcats-break-nz-hoodoo-for-another-title/|access-date=March 6, 2016|work=NBL.com.au|date=March 6, 2016|archive-date=March 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308084946/http://www.nbl.com.au/featured-news/gf3-report-wildcats-break-nz-hoodoo-for-another-title/|url-status=dead}} In 26 games, he averaged 11.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game.

For the 2016 New Zealand NBL season, Wesley joined the Wellington Saints.{{cite web | last=Hyslop | first=Liam | url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/75854431/wellington-saints-pull-off-major-coup-with-signing-of-tai-wesley-for-nbl-season | title=Wellington Saints pull off major coup with signing of Tai Wesley for NBL season | work=Stuff.co.nz | date=January 13, 2016 | access-date=January 13, 2016}} He earned back-to-back Finals MVP honors after leading the Saints to the championship with a 94–82 win over the Super City Rangers in the grand final.{{cite web | url=http://www.basketball.org.nz/News/moore-takes-out-nbl-mvp-10 | title=MOORE TAKES OUT NBL MVP | work=Basketball.org.nz | date=8 June 2016 | access-date=8 June 2016}}{{cite news|url=http://www.basketball.org.nz/NBL-News/saints-claim-9th-nbl-title |title=SAINTS CLAIM 9TH NBL TITLE |work=basketball.org.nz |date=June 6, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161223153726/http://www.basketball.org.nz/NBL-News/saints-claim-9th-nbl-title |archive-date=December 23, 2016}} In 16 games, he averaged 15.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.9 steals and 1.5 blocks per game.{{cite web|url=http://websites.sportstg.com/team_info.cgi?action=PSTATS&pID=198285343&client=11-8336-114272-402361-25074066 |title=Player statistics for Tai Wesley |work=SportsTG.com |access-date=September 24, 2016}} With the Saints in 2017,{{cite web | last=Hyslop | first=Liam | url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/90214679/starstudded-wellington-saints-team-roll-into-season-with-only-one-import--by-choice | title=Star-studded Wellington Saints team roll into season with only one import - by choice | work=Stuff.co.nz | date=March 8, 2017 | access-date=March 8, 2017}}{{cite web | last=Hyslop | first=Liam | url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/92730738/tai-wesleys-absence-threatens-wellington-saints-undefeated-record | title=Tai Wesley's absence threatens Wellington Saints' undefeated record | work=Stuff.co.nz | date=May 18, 2017 | access-date=May 19, 2017}} he helped the team win back-to-back championships while earning a personal three-peat.{{cite web|url=http://www.basketball.org.nz/NBL-News/saints-create-history-claiming-their-tenth-title|title=SAINTS CREATE HISTORY CLAIMING THEIR TENTH TITLE|work=Basketball.org.nz|date=June 17, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190126000755/http://nz.basketball/NBL-News/saints-create-history-claiming-their-tenth-title|archive-date=January 26, 2019}} In 17 games, he averaged 19.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Wesley initially re-signed with the Saints for the 2018 season,{{cite web | url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/100688548/wellington-saints-resign-melbourne-united-standout-tai-wesley-for-2018-nbl-season | title=Wellington Saints re-sign Melbourne United standout Tai Wesley for 2018 NBL season | work=Stuff.co.nz | date=January 18, 2018 | access-date=January 18, 2018}} but ultimately did not re-join the team.{{cite web|author=NZhoops|url=https://twitter.com/NZ_hoops/status/987287949111771137|title=As a result, understand that Tai Wesley...|work=Twitter|date=April 20, 2018|access-date=April 20, 2018}}{{cite web | last=Egan | first=Brendon | url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/103164953/wellington-saints-look-to-send-coach-kevin-braswell-off-in-style-with-another-nbl-title | title=Wellington Saints look to send coach Kevin Braswell off in style with another NBL title | work=Stuff.co.nz | date=April 24, 2018 | access-date=April 24, 2018}}

=Melbourne United (2016–2018)=

On May 27, 2016, Wesley signed a two-year deal with Melbourne United.{{cite web|url=http://www.nbl.com.au/featured-news/tai-wesley-unites-melbourne/|title=TAI WESLEY UNITES WITH MELBOURNE|work=NBL.com.au|date=May 27, 2016|access-date=May 27, 2016}} He clashed with head coach Dean Demopoulos during the 2016–17 NBL season, which led to Wesley considering retirement at the end of the season. He averaged 8.8 points and 3.5 rebounds per game, which included games where he played only two or three minutes a game.{{cite web|url=https://nbl.com.au/news/crappy-2017-nearly-made-me-retire-wesley|title="Crappy" 2017 Nearly Made Me Retire: Wesley|work=NBL.com.au|date=July 8, 2020|access-date=July 8, 2020}}

Wesley was Melbourne's starting power forward in 2017–18 under new coach Dean Vickerman and earned All-NBL Second Team honors.{{cite web|last=Ward|first=Roy|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/basketball/melbourne-united-put-offers-to-goulding-wesley-as-free-agency-begins-20180416-p4z9x2.html|title=Melbourne United put offer to Goulding, Wesley to leave|work=SMH.com.au|date=April 16, 2018|access-date=April 17, 2018}} In March 2018, he helped United defeat the Adelaide 36ers 3–2 in the NBL Grand Final series to claim his second Australian NBL championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-03-31/melbourne-united-claims-nbl-crown-with-win-over-36ers/9607278|title=NBL finals: Melbourne United beats Adelaide 36ers 100–82 in game five to win the title|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|date=March 31, 2018|access-date=March 31, 2018}} He appeared in all 35 games in 2017–18, averaging 11.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.1 blocks per game.

=Return to the Breakers (2018–2019)=

On May 15, 2018, Wesley signed a one-year deal with the New Zealand Breakers, returning to the club for a second stint and on the final year of his status as a non-restricted player.{{cite web|url=http://www.nbl.com.au/news/article/41981-the-new-zealand-breakers-sign-tai-wesley|title=The New Zealand Breakers Sign Tai Wesley|work=NBL.com.au|date=May 15, 2018|access-date=May 15, 2018}}{{cite web|last=Hinton|first=Marc|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/103924303/breakers-get-their-man--proven-winner-tai-wesley-coming-home-on-oneyear-deal|title=Breakers get their man – proven winner Tai Wesley coming 'home' on one-year deal|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=May 15, 2018|access-date=May 15, 2018}}{{cite web|last=Hinton|first=Marc|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/106754067/breakers-owner-matt-walsh-were-still-a-kiwi-club-but-this-is-a-business|title=Breakers owner Matt Walsh: 'We're still a Kiwi club, but this is a business'|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=September 2, 2018|access-date=September 3, 2018|quote=...a Guam-qualified American who is on the final year of his status as an unrestricted player.}} During pre-season, Wesley suffered what was his seventh broken nose in his career.{{cite web|last=Hinton|first=Marc|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/107322653/breakers-forward-tai-wesley-ready-to-shake-off-broken-nose-to-play-phoenix-suns|title=Breakers forward Tai Wesley ready to shake off broken nose to play Phoenix Suns|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=September 24, 2018|access-date=September 24, 2018}} He appeared in all 28 games for the Breakers in 2018–19, averaging 14.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.1 blocks per game.

=Brujos de Guayama (2019)=

Following the NBL season, Wesley moved to Puerto Rico to play for Brujos de Guayama of the Baloncesto Superior Nacional.{{cite web|url=http://www.bsnpr.com/o/noticias/detalles.asp?r=18509#.XKGPGuszbBI|title=Brujos firman a Tai Wesley|work=bsnpr.com|date=January 26, 2019|access-date=April 1, 2019|language=es}} In 24 games, he averaged 15.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.3 blocks per game.

=South East Melbourne Phoenix (2019–2020)=

On April 1, 2019, Wesley signed a three-year deal with the South East Melbourne Phoenix, a new franchise entering the NBL.{{cite web|url=http://www.nbl.com.au/news/article/tai-wesley-signs-with-south-east-melbourne|title=Tai Wesley signs with South East Melbourne|work=NBL.com.au|date=April 1, 2019|access-date=April 1, 2019}} For the 2019–20 season, he was reclassified as an import player.{{cite web|last=Hinton|first=Marc|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/113004279/nz-breakers-owner-matt-walsh-declares-big-moves-are-just-around-the-corner|title=NZ Breakers owner Matt Walsh declares big moves are just around the corner|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=May 25, 2019|access-date=May 25, 2019|quote=...and most consistent unrestricted player Tai Wesley (who reclassifies as an import next season) also jump ship to the South East Melbourne Phoenix.}} While his debut game for the Phoenix marked his 150th in the NBL,{{cite web|url=https://www.semphoenix.com.au/news/article/wesley-ready-for-throwdown-battle|title=Wesley ready for Throwdown battle|work=semphoenix.com.au|date=October 3, 2019|access-date=October 3, 2019}}{{cite web|last=Ward|first=Roy|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/basketball/newcomers-phoenix-rise-to-win-over-melbourne-united-in-nbl-opener-20191003-p52xhj.html|title=Early risers: Phoenix fire first shot to upset United|work=smh.com.au|date=October 3, 2019|access-date=October 4, 2019}} he also injured his hamstring which ruled him out for nine weeks.{{cite web|url=https://nbl.com.au/news/wesley-sidelined-by-hamstring-injury|title=Wesley Sidelined by Hamstring Injury|work=NBL.com.au|date=October 5, 2019|access-date=October 5, 2019}}{{cite web|last=Ward|first=Roy|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/basketball/lean-wesley-on-verge-of-phoenix-return-20191203-p53gh1.html|title=Lean Wesley on verge of Phoenix return|work=smh.com.au|date=December 3, 2019|access-date=December 5, 2019}}{{cite web|last=Hersz|first=Tom|url=https://nbl.com.au/news/tai-wesley-feeling-good|title=Tai Wesley: Feeling Good|work=NBL.com.au|date=December 30, 2019|access-date=December 30, 2019}}

On July 7, 2020, Wesley announced his retirement from basketball.{{cite web|url=https://nbl.com.au/news/tai-wesley-announces-retirement|title=Tai Wesley Announces Retirement|work=NBL.com.au|date=July 7, 2020|access-date=July 7, 2020|quote=Wesley is currently living in Idaho with wife Chyna and their three young kids and can’t wait to start his life as a normal dad.}}{{cite web|last=Michaels|first=Jake|url=https://www.espn.com.au/nbl/story/_/id/29420129/nbl-icon-tai-wesley-calls-playing-career|title=NBL icon Tai Wesley calls time on playing career|work=ESPN.com.au|date=July 7, 2020|access-date=July 7, 2020}}

National team career

Wesley represented the Guam national basketball team.{{Cite news | url = http://www.foxsportspulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?client=1-3621-0-0-0&&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=30184637 | title = Guam's Tai Wesley joins New Zealand NBL | work = FoxSportsPulse.com | date = June 17, 2014 | access-date = June 24, 2014 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714153025/http://www.foxsportspulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?client=1-3621-0-0-0&&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=30184637 | archive-date=July 14, 2014}} In July 2015, he helped Guam win gold at the Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea.{{cite web | last=Hinton | first=Marc | url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/71709146/slimmed-down-tai-wesley-aims-for-expanded-role-with-new-zealand-breakers | title=Slimmed down Tai Wesley aims for expanded role with New Zealand Breakers | work=Stuff.co.nz | date=September 3, 2015 | access-date=October 4, 2015}} In November 2018, he played for Guam in the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup pre-qualifiers in Thailand.{{cite web | last=Tomas | first=Jojo Santo | url=https://www.tallahassee.com/story/sports/2018/11/23/team-guam-faces-historic-fiba-challenge/2089310002/ | title=Team Guam faces historic FIBA challenge | work=tallahassee.com | date=November 23, 2018 | access-date=November 27, 2018}} In Thailand, he played alongside his two older brothers, Mekeli and Russell, for the first time in an official tournament.{{cite web | last=Hinton | first=Marc | url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/109049739/slamdunk-family-reunion-as-breakers-star-tai-wesley-makes-history-with-guam | title=Slam-dunk family reunion as Breakers star Tai Wesley makes history with Guam | work=Stuff.co.nz | date=December 3, 2018 | access-date=December 3, 2018}}

In February 2023, Wesley helped Guam qualify for the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers.{{cite web | url=https://www.fiba.basketball/asiacup/2025/pre-qualifiers/news/guam-survive-thailand-punch-ticket-to-asia-cup-qualifiers | title=Guam punch ticket to Asia Cup Qualifiers; Mongolia, Malaysia start Second Round triumphantly | work=fiba.basketball | date=February 24, 2023 | access-date=April 8, 2023}}

Personal

Wesley is of Rotuman and Samoan descent.{{cite web |last1=Wilson |first1=Soli |title=Brothers power Guam to gold |url=https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/sport/45930?fbclid=IwAR1dUQwWOkghK9teDfVE_5R1rDHo_Xf34UFaBTQYUVQRbv6_3xnKembHfGw |publisher=Samoa Observer |access-date=1 April 2024 |date=19 July 2019}} He is the younger brother of former Brigham Young standout Mekeli Wesley, Utah Valley State graduate Russell Wesley, and 2003 all-state selection Tika Wesley.

Wesley and his wife Chyna have three children.{{Cite news | last = Hinton | first = Marc | url = http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/73889603/nz-breakers-still-mad-but-satisfied-with-nbls-response-to-referee-howler | title = NZ Breakers still mad but satisfied with NBL's response to referee howler | work = Stuff.co.nz | date = November 10, 2014 | access-date = November 10, 2014}}{{Cite news | last = Hurley | first = Bevan | url = http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/parenting/pregnancy/birth/76354564/major-victory-for-basketball-star-as-internal-affairs-drops-baby-name-challenge | title = 'Major' victory for basketball star as Internal Affairs drops baby name challenge | work = Stuff.co.nz | date = January 31, 2016 | access-date = January 31, 2016}}

Between 2014 and 2018, Wesley was allowed to play in Australia and New Zealand as a non-restricted player under the now defunct "Oceania rule".{{cite web | last = Ward | first = Roy | url = https://www.smh.com.au/sport/basketball/melbourne-uniteds-tai-wesley-fears-he-may-be-forced-from-league-next-year-20171213-h03xiz.html | title = Melbourne United's Tai Wesley fears he may be forced from league next year | work = SMH.com.au | date = December 13, 2017 | access-date = May 4, 2018}} In April 2018, the Australian NBL granted Wesley another year as a local in order for him to begin the process of becoming naturalised.

References

External links

[https://web.archive.org/web/20160304113205/http://www.nzbreakers.co.nz/player_profile/tai-wesley/ New Zealand Breakers player profile]
[http://www.lnb.fr/fr/Pro-B/300006/Joueurs/A55503/Tai-Wesley LNB.fr profile]
[http://www.utahstateaggies.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/wesley_tai00.html Utah State bio] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140607003528/http://www.utahstateaggies.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/wesley_tai00.html |date=2014-06-07 }}
[http://websites.sportstg.com/team_info.cgi?action=PSTATS&pID=198285343&client=11-8336-114272-402361-25074066 NZNBL stats]
[https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/103628907/breakers-poised-to-add-tai-wesley-majok-majok-to-roster-for-201819-anbl "Breakers poised to add Tai Wesley to Majok Majok signing for 2018-19 ANBL"] at stuff.co.nz
[https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/104039061/he-wins-grins-and-gets-it-done-tai-wesley-rapt-to-be-back-with-the-breakers "He wins, grins and gets it done: Tai Wesley rapt to be back with the Breakers"] at stuff.co.nz
[http://nbl.com.au/news/article/refreshed-wesley-wants-to-fire-for-breakers "Refreshed Wesley Wants to Fire for Breakers"] at nbl.com.au

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Category:1986 births

Category:Living people

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