Wesley Yates injury update: Can Washington transfer earn a spot on Eric Musselman's inaugural rotation?

Former Washington guard Wesley Yates, who sat out his entire freshman season behind a lingering foot injury, is cleared to play for Eric Musselman. The Beaumont native entered the transfer portal this summer, choosing USC Trojans despite heavy interest from Oklahoma State’s Steve Lutz and Louisville’s Pat Kelsey.

Now, as Yates' health boosts up Musselman’s options, he will be competing for a roster spot before the games begin in November.

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Can Wesley Yates earn a roster spot on Eric Musselman's USC?

Yes. Yates, because of his absence from the court, might be an under-development player at the time. However, he brings a decorated high school resume to make an apt case for his skillset.

As a Beaumont United High athlete, he averaged 19.7 points and 4.0 rebounds in his senior year and graduated as the high school’s all-time leading scorer. Moreover, he showcased team-oriented gameplay, leading his school to a 36-2 record and three state titles. He was named in ESPN’s Top 100 (2023) and was listed as the 12th-best shooting guard in the nation.

Additionally, Eric Musselman, who was coaching Arkansas at the time, was one of the coaches who had extended an offer to Wesley Yates. Pursuing Yates in the portal this year hints that Musselman has plans for the youngster in the 2024-25 season.

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Wesley Yates will have a lot of help at USC

Despite Eric Musselman’s leaning towards Yates, he will still have to earn a spot on the roster. The program sees more than 15 new faces on the squad, each aiming for significant minutes on the court.

However, Wesley Yates will have some help to fit his game according to the coach’s needs. His cousins Quincy Pondexter and Will Conroy, work as assistant coaches in Musselman’s staff. Pondexter was a part of Washington’s staff last season, acting as a driving force for Yates to commit to the Huskies.

“The family that I have out there and playing in the NBA, I feel like he’ll push me to my limits. I trust him with my development,” Yates said when he committed to Washington.

With time, Yates' inclusion in Musselman’s rotation won't come as a surprise. The six-foot-four shooting guard was projected to make an immediate impact when he entered the college circuit last year.