Wes Washpun is a 23 year old 185cm point guard from Cedar Rapids, iowa that will be starting his professional basketball career in Germany with the MHP RIESEN Ludwigsburg (Germany-BBL). He began his basketball career in 2011 with Tennessee (NCAA). He then moved to N.Iowa (NCAA) in 2013 and in his first season played 31 games averaging  8.3ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.8apg, FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 34.3%, FT: 68.9%. As a junior he played 35 games averaging 7.6ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 51.1%, 3PT: 39.5%, FT: 68.1%. As a senior he played 35 games averaging  14.2ppg, 4.0rpg, 5.2apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 27.9%, FT: 72.1%. This past summer he took part in the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (Pre-NBA Draft): 3 games: 8.7ppg, 3.3rpg, 4.3apg and NBA Pro Summer League in Orlando (Los Angeles Clippers): 5 games: 4.0ppg, 1.4rpg. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball earlier this summer after signing in Germany.

 

Wes thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and how has your summer been?

I am currently in Iowa and my summer has been going on!

Congrats on signing with German club MHP Riesen Ludwigbsurg. What was the deciding factor that made you want to start your professional career in Germany?

Germany felt like a great fit for me right away and Coach Patrick and I hit it off right away!

What do you know about the country Germany and it´s basketball. Many ex N Iowa players have played in Germany like John Little, Ben Jacobsen, Deon Mitchell or Mark Sonnen to name a few.

I don’t know much about Germany yet but excited to learn as much as I can !

Did you have some talks with head coach John Patrick? He always has had aliking to getting N Iowa players as he reeled in John Little and Ben Jacobsen years ago when he was coaching team BG Goettingen. What kind of an impression did you have of John Patrick? Did you sense like you both spoke the same basketball language?

We connected right of the bat we definitely speak the same language when it comes to basketball

You have had a very exciting summer as you recently played in the NBA Summer league with the Los Angeles Clippers. What kind of experience was this?

.Playing in the summer league was great and I had a wonderful experience.

Was the team basketball aspect which you get more of in the NCAA on the back burner here as players play for their stats to get noticed?

No not really.

The Los Angeles Clippers were 0-5 and there were games where you had decent minutes and then games where you didn´t. What do you feel like was the biggest asset that you got here that will help you when you come to Germany to start your professional basketball career?

I feel like my defense and my ability to run a team will translate to the pro game!!

There was a lot of competition on the court, but what was it like practicing with and watching New Orleans draft pick French man David Michineau? When you watch a guy like this, do you sense like there is any real difference in skill between an undrafted player like yourself and a drafted player?

As a competitor you never feel like there is a difference but David and I competed and played against each other all week it was a great match up!

What was it like playing for Doc Rivers and what kind of general advice did he give you?

Doc wasn’t our head coach but the coaches were telling me to be more aggressive on offense look to score more!

Let´s talk a bit about your game. You’re a point guard that can score, but also find your teammates at ease. How would you describe your game and to what NBA player could you describe your game too?

I am a defense first point guard who can find ways to score and be effective on offense I have been called a mix between ´Westbrook and Patrick Beverly.

You’re a guy that can fill up the stat sheet, but what is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away?

I would say that my defense doesn’t get noticed as much because I don’t get a lot of steals or anything I just don’t get scored on a lot.

 

You really broke out as a senior and had many amazing games. If you had to pick one game that was your best and favorite which one would it be? Possible your 21 point, eight assist game in the win against North Carolina, or your buzzer beater against Evansville or your 28 point, 11 assist game against iowa State?

I would definitely say the North Carolina game because taking down the number one was great!

Your college career ended in the NCAA tournament with a bitter 92-88 loss against Texas A & M, but you gave your all with nine points and 10 assists, but you fouled out. Is this a game that you will remember for a long time?

Yeah I will never forget that game, but I have put it behind me.

How did head coach Ben Jacobson groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

He made me a man he helped me grow up that’s how he helped me the most!

How won a one on one in practice you or Matt Bohannon?

Me lol.

If you had to construct an NBA Rushmore, which 4 NBA legends would you choose?

Jordan, Karem, Magic,Bird

Now that Lebron won another title for the Cavs where does this win put him in the alltime best debate against Michael Jordan?

Still behind Jordan.

What was the last movie that you saw?

 

Suicide Squad.

 

Thanks Wes for the chat.