NBA Draft: Washington State's Jaylen Wells Selected By Memphis Grizzlies in Round 2

Joe Londergan | Jun 27, 2024

Feb 15, 2024; Pullman, Washington, USA; Washington State Cougars forward Jaylen Wells (0) controls the ball against the California Golden Bears in the second half at Friel Court at Beasley Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports / James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

After a standout junior season for the Washington State Cougars, guard/forward Jaylen Wells has realized his dream of playing in the NBA. The Memphis Grizzlies selected Wells in Wednesday's NBA Draft with the 39th overall pick.

Wells spent the 2023-2024 season at Washington State after transferring from Sonoma State (Division II). He made 20 starts for the Cougars and played in 34 of WSU's 34 contests last season, averaging 12.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.5 steals, and 0.2 blocks per game. He also finished the season with a 43.6 field goal percentage. Wells originally entered the transfer portal again following the season, but ultimately chose to remain in the draft pool and forgo his remaining eligibility.

Prior to Washington State, Wells averaged 22.1 points per game at Sonoma State, leading the California Collegiate Athletic Association.

Wells is the first Washington State player selected in the 2024 draft. Forward Mouhamed Gueye was chosen by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2023 NBA Draft. Wells is the the 39th Cougar basketball player selected in the NBA Draft since 1948.

Memphis finished the 2023 NBA season with a record of 27-55 and missed the playoffs.

Published Jun 27, 2024|Modified Jun 27, 2024

JOE LONDERGAN

Joe Londergan joined the SI brand in 2023 with G5 Football Daily. With over 15 years of experience in covering and working directly in college and pro sports, Joe's expertise has been featured in Front Office Sports, SB Nation, and XRAY.FM. He is a member of both the Football Writers' Association of America and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers' Association. Joe holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Louisville and a master's degree in sports administration from Seattle University. Outside of his writing career, Joe enjoys golfing, although he admits that while he hits driver decently, his short game is a liability.