Wesley walks taller than The Rock

FAMILIAR FACE: Tai Wesley gives his "The Rock" impersonation while relaxing, left, and in his physical court play. / Photos, left, by Marshall Young and by Seili Lewis, right.

By Marshall Young

February 14, 2008 | Don't be confused when you look out on the court and think you see a movie star during men's basketball games. Tai Wesley, freshman post player for Utah State, wishes he would be called after his idol: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.

"I get mistaken for him all the time. I tell people that The Rock is my cousin. Seriously, if I could bulk up, by lifting weights and get some tattoos, I could step in and be his stunt man. That is really my goal in life," said Wesley.

"I might be a little tall for him, though."

Like his favorite Dwayne Johnson movie, Walking Tall, Wesley has enjoyed punishing opponents down low in the post during his freshman season. Since becoming a starter, he has averaged nearly 13 points per game, along with five rebounds. This kind of production is reminiscent of his older brother and all-conference performer at BYU, Mekeli.

"My brother Mekeli, we play a lot alike. We both like to have our back against the basket, and go to work on somebody down in the post. We have similar moves, like a jump hook," said Wesley.

"But he shot a lot of threes, and I haven't been able to do that yet. I shot one a while ago with my foot on the line -- and it went in, but I haven't gotten the green light from coach yet."

Wesley almost didn't come to USU. He had committed to play for BYU. One of the reasons he decided to not go there, even though he had verbally committed, was because of a miscommunication. He thought they had a scholarship waiting for him, and they didn't.

He said, "What made me choose Utah State was how honest the coaching staff was with me throughout the whole process. And the atmosphere up here -- little town, and everyone loves basketball. Plus, I remember in Mekeli's recruiting process he almost went to Colorado State to play for Coach Morrill."

He loves playing home games here because the student section is willing to make it difficult for the other team to relax and play basketball. He attended a few games before deciding to play in Logan, and he was both annoyed and impressed by the volume of the crowd.

"I came to a couple basketball games, and the one I remember most was against BYU when my brother Mekeli was playing. I hated it. They kept chanting, ‘Wesley, Wesley. . . You Suck!' The WHOLE game," said Wesley. "I'd say we have one of the top 10 toughest places to play in the country."

Wesley actually redshirted his first year in college. With all of the talented big men on the team that year, he felt it would be difficult to get much playing time. Looking back on it, he feels like it was a worthwhile experience, even though it was difficult. It helped him get a feel for how college basketball works before he left the team to go on an LDS mission to Mexico.

"Really serving helped me develop my emotions. While a missionary, I matured, and grew up. Also, I was able to relax, and take a break from basketball," said Wesley. "Basketball had controlled my life for nineteen years, and to take a break and focus on other things was kind of nice. My knees weren't hurting, and my body was healthy."

So who is Tai Wesley? Outside of basketball, he likes to do "fun little things" to help him relax. Sleep, Nintendo, golf, and waterskiing are some of his notable activities.

"I used to eat Top Ramen before games in high school, and take a nap. Now it's basically just take a nap, and a shower before the game."

He loves to have a good time, even when in situations that stress many out. One time he loves to relax is during interviews.

"One time they were interviewing Gary [Wilkinson], and wanted me next. So I acted like a reporter, grabbed Gatorade and put it up to his face, and asked him questions. I just try to have a good time. Some people stress over it. I think life's too simple for that."

So what is the one thing he'd like everyone to know about him?

"I'm not cocky, even though I am cocky," he responds quickly.

It is that kind of confidence that is sure to keep his play on the court solid as a rock for years to come.

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