KZELL WESSON'S BLOG View profile
201cm / 6'7'' - Power Forward / Center - 1977 USA
KZell Wesson Basketball Career
240lbs / 109kg
Born: June 24, 1977 in Portland (Oregon) USA
Web site: http://www.zellywesson.com/
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Outlook:
A fine athlete with great desire. A super inside force with his 257 pounds...all strenght and good mobility on a solid.
Very strong...has an NBA sized body...has very long arms; A power forward that also is capable of playing the center position; Solid shooter from 18 Ft. in both from the top of the key and the baseline...shows a soft touch and good shooting selection; Has the ability to face up and beat the defender with one or two dribbles to the bucket; Safe offensive low post back to the basket player with good hands...likes the physical moves inside and uses an excellent jump hook to finish; Out-powers opponents; Uses also a consistent and productive turn around shot from the low post; Very strong rebounder as he positions himself so well on both ends of the floor...will score on offensive rebounding; Will battle for and hold positioning both offensively and defensively; When double-teammed, will not loose control over the situation as he is a very good inside-out passer; Has good court knowledge; Tremendous defensive stopper...fronts the post extremely well to deny the inside pass; Works hard...a hard nosed competitor.
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Career:
Portland, OR / Jefferson HS
1995-1996: S.Carolina St. (NCAA): 29 games: 4.5ppg, 4.3rpg, FGP: 53.4%, 3PT: 16.7%, FT: 42.5%
1996-1997: Eastern Utah JC (NJCAA): 33 games: 17.2ppg, 13.2rpg, 1.5spg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 58.8%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 68.3%
1997-1998: La Salle (NCAA, starting five): 27 games: 13.2ppg, RebA10-2(10.7rpg), 1.8apg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 49.8%, 3PT: 17.4%, FT: 57.1%
1998-1999: La Salle (NCAA): 28 games: 15.6ppg, RebNCAA-5(10.8rpg), 1.4apg, BlocksA10-7(1.4bpg), FGPA10-2(49.9%), FT: 70.5%
1999: Portsmouth Pre-NBA Draft Tournament
1999: drafted by Atlantic City Seagulls (USBL,1rd(13))
1999: Atlantic City Seagulls (USBL): 13 games: 6.4ppg, 3.9rpg, FGP: 49.1%, FT: 50.0%
1999-2000: Trenton Shooting Stars (IBL): 34 games: 6.5ppg, 5.5rpg, FGP: 47.6%, FT: 65.2%
2000: Atlantic City Seagulls (USBL, starting five): signed in May: 21 games: 14.5ppg, Reb-4(8.9rpg), FGP: 58.0%, FT: 61.5%
2000-2001: Buyuk Kolej Ankara (Turkey): 26 games: 17.7ppg, Reb-4(11.5rpg), 1.2apg, 1.0spg. 2FGP: 75.5%, 3FGP: 40.0%, FT: 63.5%
2001: Atlantic City Seagulls (USBL): 2 games: 7.5ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.5spg, 1.0apg, FGP: 30.4%, FT: 1-3
2001: Cocodrilos de Caracas (Venezuela): was released in June, but called back in July: 9 games: 10.4ppg, 6 .5rpg, 1.0apg, 2FGP: 55.0%, FT: 70.0%
2001-2002: Pitch Cholet Basket (France-ProA): 30 games: 16.7ppg, 10.4rpg, 2.9apg, 2FGP: 51.8%, 3FGP: 33.3%, FT: 59.2%
2002-2003: Pitch Cholet Basket (France-ProA): ULEB Cup: 10 games: 14.0ppg, 12.7rpg, 1.9apg, 2FGP: 48.6%, FT: 63.3%; French ProA League: 33 games: 16.6ppg, 10.4rpg, 2.8apg, 2FGP: 54.0%, 3FGP: 12.5%, FT: 68.1%
2003-2004: Roseto Basket Town (Italy-SerieA): 33 games: 14.9ppg, 9.4rpg, 2.3apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 59.3%, 3PT: 29.7%, FT: 63.2%
2004-2005: BCM Gravelines Dunkerque (France-ProA): ULEB Cup: 10 games: 15,9ppg, 9.4rpg, 2.0apg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 57.0%, 3FGP: 44.4%; French ProA League: 34 games: 16.2ppg, Reb-1(10.4rpg), 2.8apg, FGP: 55.4%, 3FGP: 28.2%
2005-2006: Strasbourg IG (France-ProA): Euroleague: 14 games: 10.1ppg, 6.7rpg, 1.9apg, 2FGP: 50%, 3FGP: 20%, FT: 62%; French League: 34 games: 11.8ppg, Reb-3(8.9rpg), 2.1apg, FGP: 67.3%, 3PT: 37.2%, FT: 57.8%
2006-2007: GHP Bamberg (Germany-1.Bundesliga): ULEB Cup: 9 games: 11.0ppg, 6.3rpg, 2FGP: 48.2%, 3FGP: 42.9%, FT: 60%; German League: 39 games: 7.8ppg, Reb-4(8.2rpg), 2FGP: 49.3%, 3FGP: 29.6%, FT: 52.9%
2007-2008: AEK Athens (Greece-A1, starting five): FIBA EuroCup: 2 games: 8.0ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 83.3%, FT: 75%; Greek League Regular Season: 25 games: 13.0ppg, Reb-1(8.9rpg), 1.3apg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 60.0%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 60.0%; Greek Play-Offs: 2 games: 6.0ppg, 8.0rpg
2008-2009: PAOK Marfin Thessaloniki (Greece-A1, starting five): 8 games: 11.5ppg, 8.4rpg, 1.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 55.4%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 66.7%, left team in Dec.'08, in Jan.'09 moved to Besiktas ColaTurka Istanbul (Turkey-TBL, starting five): 20 games: 13.1ppg, 6.7rpg, 2.6apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 56.7%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 64.5%
2009-2010: In Oct.'09 signed at Pinar Karsiyaka SK Izmir (Turkey-TBL, starting five): 33 games: 12.5ppg, 7.3rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 51.0%, 3PT: 32.1%, FT: 56.4%
2010-2011: Turk Telekom Ankara (Turkey-TBL, starting five)
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Awards/Achievements:
Junior College All-American -97
USBL Champion -99
French ProA Semifinals -02, 06
French ProA All-Star Game -03, 05, 06 (MVP)
Eurobasket.com All-French ProA Center of the Year -03, 05
Eurobasket.com All-French ProA 1st Team -03, 05
Eurobasket.com French ProA All-Imports Team -03, 05
Eurobasket.com All-Italian SerieA Center of the Year -04
Eurobasket.com All-Italian SerieA 2nd Team -04
Eurobasket.com Italian SerieA All-Imports Team -04
Eurobasket.com All-French ProA 2nd Team -06
German Bundesliga Champion -07
Eurobasket.com All-Greek League 2nd Team -08
Eurobasket.com Greek League All-Imports Team -08
Eurobasket.com Greek League All-Defensive Team -08
BLOG POSTINGS
Don't chase the money, chase a career.- Apr.23, 2010 (by Zelly)
You read the title huh? So I'm sure your asking: What is he talking about? I play this game to get mines -- to get paid. To get all the money I can get. I'm going to milk this game. . .
So let me ask you. How many of your favorite athletes fell off once they signed a max contract? How many of your favorite players were not the same or became better -- when they got that big contract? Was it the injuries? Maybe. But more likely it was the hunger, the desire and the drive[read more]
You read the title huh? So I'm sure your asking: What is he talking about? I play this game to get mines -- to get paid. To get all the money I can get. I'm going to milk this game. . .
So let me ask you. How many of your favorite athletes fell off once they signed a max contract? How many of your favorite players were not the same or became better -- when they got that big contract? Was it the injuries? Maybe. But more likely it was the hunger, the desire and the drive. It somehow disappeared. It got lost somewhere. My guess: It was buried beneath all that money.
It was all a dream, you see. When you play this game growing up, you play for the love of the sport. The competitive nature to be the best in the neighborhood, the best in the city and then the state. You play to get a scholarship to college and a chance to do your thing on the big stage. You play for the dream of one day playing professionally and getting paid. But humility hits you in the face. It says you're good, but not that good. Your first contract is not what you think it should be, so the hunger continues, because you want to prove to everyone what you already know yourself. . .that you deserve more money. You start to hear the stories, 'such and such' makes this amount of money. And so and so, that plays for the big club makes that amount. You push yourself harder when you play against those teams and those players because, hey if I do well against them, then this confirms what I already believe. I deserve that big contract.
You already start thinking of all the stuff you going to buy with the big contract. The big house, the cars, the vacations, the jewelry, the life. I got to live that life. I deserve to live that life . . . Do you know where I come from? I've got to live that life..
Well the alarm clock is buzzing....It's time to Wake up! You have to crawl before you can walk. You have to walk before you can run. And you have to run before you can fly....Translation: It's a step by step process and there are dues to pay.
Professional Basketball is a cut-throat business. It is -- I'll confirm that! But it's because like any other sport, it is a success business. You get rewarded for winning games, cups, titles and championships. Nobody remembers two years ago. Heck, they don't even remember two games ago. It's what have you done for us lately? You scored 30 points two games back and hit the game winner, Huh? Go two-for-10 in the next game and lose, and see how management looks at you. You would have thought you killed the team's dog and was now public enemy number one! It's crazy! They don't even look at you, let alone speak to you! Hello? Bottom line is you have to show and prove year-in-and-year-out. You have to be a consistent team player every year. Unlike the NBA, there are no 5-year or 6-year deals in Europe. (Unless you are a 16 year old phenom!) There is no lottery or no draft process. There are no max deals, mid-level exceptions or veteran players minimum. There's just a free agent market every summer and you'll be lucky to get a 2-year gig. And believe me, if you don't show and prove in year one; and the team has some success, year two will be a settlement. Here are some parting gifts -- it was nice knowing you, and we wish you the best.
Unfortunately, many players come to Europe with a false sense of reality. They say what they will and won't play for. Or they need to double their salary after one season. It is ignorance at its finest. Sure it happens for some players, but do you think all McDonalds employees become managers after 1 year on the job? Don't chase the money, chase a career! If you have a long career in Europe -- that means you did something right -- and the money will take care of itself. If your first contract is humbling, show the team and the league your value and play your way into a raise the next year. And then do the same the year after, until you reach a ceiling (or your body begins to breakdown, whichever comes first.) Feeling under-paid, under-valued or under-appreciated allows you to tap into that hunger you had when you were dreaming. It keeps you working on your game as you prove people wrong. They said you are too short, prove them wrong. They said you are inexperience, then prove them wrong. They said you can't play Eurocup or Euroleague, then prove them wrong. Use all those comments and professionally play with a chip on your shoulder. Those are the players that constantly get better every year. Those are the players who deserve to get paid. Those are the players who will have a career. They find something -- anything -- to motivate them to get better!
Nobody is given anything. You have to pay your dues and earn each contract. Sometimes you have to take a step backwards to get an opportunity to step forward. But with each success, comes a reward. I wish every athlete the best during this coming summer. The market is much more different than it's ever been, but the rules still apply.
Stay Focused!
True professionals never declare their professionalism; they demonstrate it.- Apr.7, 2010 (by Zelly)
In the NBA, there are only 450 jobs for players! How's that you ask? It's Simple mathematics. There are only 30 teams in the Association and 15 players (Max) per team. (30 x 15 = 450 Jobs) It's real funny that everywhere you go, everyone asks you, 'Why don't you play at home in the states? Or you play professional basketball; why not play in the NBA? You don't want to play in the NBA? You're not trying to make the NBA?' I'm sure most players can relate to the narrow minded questioning[read more]
In the NBA, there are only 450 jobs for players! How's that you ask? It's Simple mathematics. There are only 30 teams in the Association and 15 players (Max) per team. (30 x 15 = 450 Jobs) It's real funny that everywhere you go, everyone asks you, 'Why don't you play at home in the states? Or you play professional basketball; why not play in the NBA? You don't want to play in the NBA? You're not trying to make the NBA?' I'm sure most players can relate to the narrow minded questioning. But sometimes....just sometimes, you want to respond with your own interrogation like, 'Why don't you work for Apple computers? You don't want to work for Apple Computers? You don't know how to use ITunes? You know you can get a discount on IPod Nanos? So, you would rather work at Chuck E. Cheese Pizza, huh? That's cool..So do they let you wear the mouse suit?'
Basketball in Europe just like in the NBA, is a numbers game. In each country there are only a certain number of jobs available. Each country has its own restrictions for import players (non European), Bosman players (European/EU) and local players (Natives). And these may change from year to year. In Turkey for example, there can only be 3 import players and 1 Bosman player or 4 Bosman players total, according to the Turkish League Rules. Translation: there are only 3 Americans allowed per team unless one hold dual citizenship (a European/EU passport). That essentially means there are only 48 JOBS in first division Turkey (TBL) for Americans! (Note: Spain and Greece the top two European leagues only allow 2 imports per team)
So with a limit amount of jobs, all teams try to find the best players they can find within their budget. There's a negotiation that goes on and players get 'discounted' for a variety of reasons: No experience, no name, not a scorer, too short, too slow, not strong enough, not good enough, cannot play the position we need them to play, doesn't play defense, doesn't rebound enough, cost too much, etc etc....The pressure is on your Agent to find the right fit, and make a hard case to each team looking for a player like you. It's the Agent's job to sell you and your qualities....but in all fairness, the Agent has to have 'something' to sell. It has to be realistic! Many times you have to keep proving people wrong and taking advantage of the opportunities that come. Such as taking less money or playing for a smaller club to show people you can play at this level and in this particular league. Many people 'think' they can play. But being a 'professional player' is much different, because it is now a job, a career and a different lifestyle when it comes to European basketball. This is why, it is easy to come to Europe. But, its hard to stay in Europe.
The following 7 things are what make a professional. So whether you ever make it to the NBA or high-level Europe, an understanding of how to conduct oneself is essential. Otherwise I'm sure there's a Chuck E. Cheese near you that is hiring.
1) Be on time foreverything. Most coaches want you on the court and ready to practice before they walk in the gym. So if you have to get your ankles taped or get therapy, make sure you are there early. If you have traffic in your town (like Istanbul, which is crazy), make sure you accommodate for that. Whether you have a flight or bus to catch, a sponsor event, or a team meal to attend to BE ON TIME. Nothing is more unprofessional, than a player with no respect for time.
2) Make a commitment to service. You have to understand your job -- You are hired to serve the team as a basketball player. That essentially means you have to come to work ready and able to do your job. That entails, reporting to camp in decent shape, getting proper rest before and after practices, eating the right things to allow your body to be healthy, practicing hard, working on improving your skills [strengths and weaknesses], and bonding with your teammates. You are a part of a team -- that team is put together to provide entertainment for the fans. And although the goal is to ultimately win games, the service you provide is entertainment. That may come in the form of a scrappy team, a defensive team, a spirited team or a fighting team. Fans come to support you and the team fight to win games. You as a professional, have to do everything you can to allow yourself to be ready to fight. That is the commitment!
3) Willing to accept criticism. Unless you are Kobe Bryant (198-G-78) or LeBron James (203-F-84), you are not the best player in the world. So criticism maybe the motivation you need to get better. If they say you can't guard nobody, cause you just got lit up for thirty points, don't come back, with the comment 'at least I scored 25, and did my job'. Because you didn't. Yeah, I'm sure nobody likes to be criticized, but those that learn to accept it and work to get better, eventually become better players. Just ask Kobe or Lebron.
4) Learn to follow directions. No, I'm not talking about the ones your teammates give you to the Mexican restaurant, (although that sounds good right now. Order some Cheese Quesadillas for me and don't forget the salsa...Hot salsa, none of that Mild stuff!) But seriously, if you can't follow directions, how can the coach trust you? How can your teammates have confidence in you? Sure you are in an unfamiliar place, but rules are rules wherever you go. They are meant to be followed. So whether it's following a play after a time out and you're a screener instead of the shooter, or you're told to be in your room by 10:00pm for curfew the day before a game; learning to follow directions proves you are a team player.
5) Do not embarrass the team. You have to use sound judgment as a professional. You have to understand that you are always in the public eye. This comes with the job. Sure, you are an adult and basketball is your job. But you have to think before you act! You should ask yourself can what you DO or SAY bring embarrassment to you, your family and the team? Sure we all make mistakes as humans, but we also have to live with the consequences of our actions.
6) Be approachable. We all have our bad days where we don't want to be bothered and that understandable. But being in a foreign country, you have to be approachable. You may not consider yourself as 'Hollywood famous,' but in the country you're in, you are famous. You have to realize for a lot of people, meeting you is the closest they will ever get to America. It is also their way to connect with the team they love and support. So you may get the stares, the whispers, the requests for handshakes, photographs and autographs. But NEVER think you are too good for your team's fans. Without them, you have no job!
7) Take advantage of every opportunity. You are in a foreign country. Try to learn to speak the language other than the bad words, as you never know, you may come back to that country later in your career. (But isn't it funny that the curse words are the first thing everyone learns, even the English ones?) If you're playing for peanuts, play hard and keep working for a better contract the next season or the season after that. If you're only getting limited minutes, go all out in practice until you get your opportunity to show what you can do. Trust me. When you look back over your life, you can't blame the coaches, teachers or teammates (you didn't like), for not giving you a chance. You have to ask yourself, 'did I do all I could have done with the chances I received?' Remember, if you take advantage of the opportunity at hand, it will prepare you for other opportunities in the future.
The average career of a professional athlete is less than 3 years. You are considered a veteran player after five. Many players will come and go along the way. Many of your peers from college will not make it for whatever reason: injuries, adjustment issues, mental issues, family issues, money issues, opportunity issues, women issues or etc. It's not always the best player that has the best career. There are many talented players, but not many who are professional.
True professionals never declare their professionalism; they demonstrate it.
Until next time, Stay Focused
The time goes by ...11 years pro bball while playing 10 years overseas- Mar.29, 2010 (by Zelly)
11 years as a Professional Athlete...10 years overseas...Oh, how the time goes by! The game is different here, defiantly different. Its basketball yeah, but youre in unfamiliar territory. What you consider a foul, may not be considered a foul and vice versa. Its like the game is backwards. Are you blind? You called that weak foul, but you didnt see my teammate get clobbered 2 minutes ago? Wow!
European basketball has been great overall. Sure there are ups and downs[read more]
11 years as a Professional Athlete...10 years overseas...Oh, how the time goes by! The game is different here, defiantly different. Its basketball yeah, but youre in unfamiliar territory. What you consider a foul, may not be considered a foul and vice versa. Its like the game is backwards. Are you blind? You called that weak foul, but you didnt see my teammate get clobbered 2 minutes ago? Wow!
European basketball has been great overall. Sure there are ups and downs. Sure you are away from your family..Sure there are the stories of late payments and non payments. You may move from team to team and country to country. But this opportunity to be a professional athlete is a very small window. When it closes, and it will close eventually..theres no turning back. There's no more [saying] one more year. There are no more teammates to joke with, conditioning practice to get through, or titles to chase. When its over, it's over. So we have got to make the most of it!
The Fans in Europe are more passionate than those in the States. Sure there is the homeland exception, such as the college tailgaters who barbeque in parking lots to show their support, or the blue face painters at Cameron Indoor Stadium that look like Avatar rejects, there's even a drunken fat guy section at every NFL arena, who feels the need to show the world how much they like donuts. But in Europe, there are no rules to being a fanatic! I have seen fireworks let off inside the gym, rocks thrown at rival coaches, stadium seats broken and tossed on the court in protest. Players hit with cigarette lighters, coins, makeup, cell phones, screws, register tape, batteries, bottles and even shoes. You think Carmelo Anthony (203-F-84, college: Syracuse) and the Nuggets have a protective shield over their bench when they play the Mavericks in Dallas? Doubt it! You know why? Security would clear people out of there in a heartbeat! If Security tried that in Europe, it would be a prisoner's riot against the guards, (Think HBO television series OZ). Fans in the States understand the law and they fear going to jail. In Europe, they may get thrown out the arena, but they will be back next game, ready for war...I mean support. The craziest thing I have ever witnessed was fans with explosive fireworks being let off inside the gym followed by the court being sprayed with a fire extinguisher. It was unreal and we couldn't even finish the game. I still have the pictures of my teammates and I walking off the court in disbelief!
This year I am back in Turkey playing for Pinar Karsiyaka of Izmir. We are currently in 6th place and have a very young group overall. I believe we should be the surprise of the league as compared to last season, [I finished fifth with Besiktas ColaTurka] we had all experienced players. Chemistry is big in basketball. You can have five talented guys with selfish ambitions or you can have 12 good guys who play as a team. I believe we have the latter. I believe that as we gain experience, we can have a successful year. I personally feel great this season and look forward to finishing strong!
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