Welsh teenager Wells bids to fulfil NBA dream

Yahoo

4 days ago

It is a rare occurrence; a Welsh boy packing his bags, aiming to fulfil his basketball dream in the USA.
David Wells is living this reality. The 19-year-old is heading to Mississippi to join Meridian Community College's National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) basketball programme on a full scholarship.
An uncommon sight; when most kids in Wales aspire to be the next Jac Morgan or Aaron Ramsey, Wells' driving passion is to be a National Basketball Association (NBA) superstar.
After playing two years at St David's College in Cardiff, Wells was scouted to play in the United States by excelling at Sheffield College over the past year.
Wells left his family in Cardiff and moved to Sheffield. He will now look to wave the Welsh flag high, starring in the Meridian green and white.
He was with his friends when told the news, and says: "My coach finally texted me, 'Congratulations, you got a full ride to Meridian Community College'."
Explaining the NBA route to BBC Sport Wales, Wells adds: "NJCAA basketball is the highest major college basketball that you can play in America.
"After that NJCAA Division One, you have the NBA, which is the Premier League in the world.
"So, in order for me to get to the league, I will have to earn myself a Division One offer from NJCAA."
His journey so far and looking to the future
Inspired by basketball legends Russell Westbrook and James Harden, Wells' basketball journey began at Sevenoaks Park in Grangetown, Cardiff, at the age of 14, thanks to his mother's purchase of a basketball.
"I ended up coming to this exact court the moment I got my basketball," Wells says. "My first three or four shots went in, and I instantly fell in love with the game."
Now heading across the Atlantic Ocean, Wells takes inspiration from Welsh athletes' successes in America, with the likes of Gareth Bale in Major League Soccer and Louis Rees-Zammit's attempts to crack American Football's National Football League (NFL).
"It gives me confidence, full confidence, 100%," he adds. "I have always had that confidence in myself ever since I was a 14-year-old kid."
Wells also credits Basketball Wales for his development as he continues to make significant strides in his career.
He has played for the Welsh national side since under-16 level, having been selected while impressing for Cardiff City Basketball Club.
"Representing Basketball Wales has been a very big achievement for me," Wells says.
"They have helped me grow a lot the past few years as I am now in the Wales under-20 national team."
In addition, the guard believes that we could see a multitude of Welsh basketball players make similar strides in their careers, especially due to basketball culture in Wales seeing a drastic upwards shift.
"It is growing at a rapid rate," he says. "I am seeing a lot of young hoopers, a lot of young stars, who could potentially go on to achieve amazing things in the future."
Wells says his "ultimate goal" is to become a Welshman playing in the NBA.
"It is a goal I have been working for, for the past four to five years, and I know I am going to accomplish it," he said.