Q & A with Gonzaga senior Byron Wesley

Byron Wesley, a graduate transfer from USC, has made a seamless transition in his lone season at Gonzaga. The 6-foot-4 Wesley averages 10.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists. He’s third on the team in scoring, fourth in rebounding and second in assists. He left USC in hopes of finding a winning program that plays in the NCAA Tournament and he appears to have found both at Gonzaga.
But there’s more to Wesley than basketball. The senior wing talks jobs, music, cooking and, of course, Harry Potter.

Q: Best job you’ve ever had?
A: Probably when I was a little kid, just going to the gym. My dad was coaching high school basketball and I rebounded for the guys and being part of it at a young age was pretty cool.
Q : Worst job?
A : Well, I haven’t really had a real job (laughs). Probably when my parents made me mow the lawn, front and back, every week. I used to get an allowance but it wasn’t too much.
Q: If you could change places with someone famous, who would it be and why?
A: I would say either Kobe (Bryant) or Tiger Woods. Kobe’s been my favorite player since I was younger. Golf, it’s just such a relaxing sport. Tiger can play it for so long and he’s made so much money off it. I’ve golfed a couple times.
Q : Surprising hobby or habit?
A: I’m a big Harry Potter fan. I used to read the books when I was younger. I always went to see the movie on the first day it came out with my parents. No, I never dressed up.
Q : What do you think you’ll be doing in 10-15 years?
A: Hopefully I’ll be around the game of basketball. I’d like to be coaching and hopefully I’ll be a head coach at the high school or collegiate level.
Q : What’s the go-to song you listen to before a game?
A : Hit-Boy, he’s a rapper from the area I’m from (in the Los Angeles area), and the song is called “Grindin’ My Whole Life.” I relate to him because he’s from the same area and he talks about the same things.
Q: Best advice you’ve ever received?
A: From my dad, I can’t remember exactly when or the quote exactly. He was just talking about working hard, and that there’s always somebody out there working harder. So whenever I might get lazy or I don’t feel like doing something I always have that in my mind. Just always try to push myself and better myself.
Q : Can you cook?
A: I can cook the basics. My mom is a really good cook and I picked up a few things from her but I wouldn’t say I’m a good cook. I can make some breakfast, pancakes, French toast. Dinner’s a little shaky, some pasta, spaghetti. Just the basics.