Personal Statement

WESLEY HAMILTON: Starting Point Guard from Keswick, Ontario, Canada

My name is Wesley Hamilton and I am a Point Guard from Keswick, Ontario, Canada. Going through old family photos, it's hard to find one of me without a ball in my hand. My big brother not only introduced me to basketball, he is also helped influence my love for the game. If it was not for him I might not be the person or the player I am today. Basketball is not merely a game for me, it is a way of life. It helps guide, nurture and mature me into the person I am. In addition, basketball helps me gain and develop life lessons that take some people twenty years to learn. 

The key element of my basketball identity is my drive, focus, heart and love for the game. Its true, I'm an undersized guard, but I've got an oversized heart. The people that know me best describe me as having the greatest work ethic and drive to succeed both on and off the the court. My goal every time I walk in the gym is to outwork everyone. I believe that no one can outwork me.

Coach Lundrigan used to always tells me, "I can't go on the floor and do it for your team Wesley. You have to be the coach on the court. They listen to you and you know what to tell them." Coach trusted me to use my game IQ, leadership skills and positive attitude to keep everyone focused ... and I would not let him down! 

Not only is my focus and drive evident on the basketball court, I also demonstrate that in the classroom. I realize the importance of being both a student and an athlete. Just like everything I do in life, I do it the best of my ability. If I need to invest an extra two hours in the gym after practice, or stay up until midnight to make certain an assignment is completed well, I will make it happen. 

I am a dedicated and accomplished Student (GPA 4.0) and an Elite Athlete who has been playing basketball for almost twelve years. I have studied the game of basketball under excellent coaches, players, and trainers for most of that time. I understand the critical nature of personal discipline to my craft and corporate responsibility to my team. My coaches have continually encouraged my pursuit of this game due to my highly developed knowledge of the game, my professional work ethic and my natural and developed skills. I have earned considerable recognition for my efforts including 2 Athlete of the Year Awards, 2 First Team All Star Awards, and 2 Hooptown GTA Most Games over 25 Points.

I value dedication, hard work, truth, loyalty and honesty. That is demonstrated in my approach to the game of basketball, my personal life and faith. People speak highly of me because of my proven ethics not because I am perfect … I’m far from it. Rather, they do that because the see my focus and track record. Drew Ebanks of OnPoint Basketball said that I am, “One of the most personally disciplined athletes I have ever worked with. Wesley’s commitment to personal discipline -on and off the court- makes him a giant among his peers. And under pressure, this kid has ice in his veins!” Wesley Brown of the Monday Morning Scouting Report has said that I am, “A highly consistent young baller with amazing handles, laser focus and insane range.” In addition, Davyeon Ross of ShotTracker said, “Wesley’s work ethic and consistency is off the chart. We have believed in this kid for a long time and he has never disappointed. So proud of this young man.” There are others.

During the 2018-2019 school year, I earned a starting role with GTA Prep, a member of the National Preparatory Association and North Pole Hoops. While there, I earned several Player of the Game Awards including MVP at the Blue Dragon Classic Tournament. In addition, I had one official offer for a Canadian USports University. In the 2019-2020, I had the unique privilege of attending St. Jude’s Academy and playing Basketball for George Harris Prep. The mission of St. Jude’s Academy is to encourage student athletes like me to develop an inquisitive, creative mind with strong moral character. They do this by inspiring, personal evaluation, social maturation and a positive academic atmosphere. I chose to attend George Harris Prep to work with high level, elite coaching including Team Canada trainers and the promise of excellent exposure and scholarship opportunities. As a developing athlete, I believed I would be able to take my game to the next level and prepare me for scholarship opportunities and university basketball.

I love the journey I'm on today. I love to work hard, keep focused and dream big. At the end of all of this, I'll look back and smile, confident that I haven't left anything undone. Although I love the journey I'm on, I'll enjoy the destination even more.

PLEASE ALSO VISIT MY INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT: @wesleyhamilton2