Wesley Yates III Named To Jerry West Award Watch List
October 28, 2025 | Men's Basketball
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Washington sophomore Wesley Yates III has been announced as one of 20 players named to the Naismith Starting 5 – Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year Top 20 Preseason Watch List, released Tuesday by the Naismith Hall of Fame.
The award annually honors the best shooting guard in men's college basketball.
Yates is one of three Big Ten players named to the watch list, being joined by Illinois's Kylan Boswell and Wisconsin's John Blackwell.
The Beaumont, Texas, native enters his first season back on Montlake as one of the top impact transfers in the nation, per ESPN. USC's second-leading scorer at 14.2 points per game in 2024-25, Yates led all Big Ten freshmen in scoring during league play at 14.1 PPG.
The 6-4 guard started the final 25 games for USC, shooting 47.7 percent from the floor, including 43.4 percent from behind the arc. Yates reached double figures in scoring 25 times a season ago, racking up 20 or more points seven times.
One of Yates' top performances of the season came against its stiffest competition, dropping a season-high 30 points at No. 7 Purdue, chipping in four rebounds and a pair of assists.
Yates and the Huskies begin the regular season on Nov. 3, hosting UAPB at 8:00 p.m. PT. The game will stream live on B1G+.
Follow @UW_MBB on X/Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates on Husky basketball.
The award annually honors the best shooting guard in men's college basketball.
Yates is one of three Big Ten players named to the watch list, being joined by Illinois's Kylan Boswell and Wisconsin's John Blackwell.
The Beaumont, Texas, native enters his first season back on Montlake as one of the top impact transfers in the nation, per ESPN. USC's second-leading scorer at 14.2 points per game in 2024-25, Yates led all Big Ten freshmen in scoring during league play at 14.1 PPG.
The 6-4 guard started the final 25 games for USC, shooting 47.7 percent from the floor, including 43.4 percent from behind the arc. Yates reached double figures in scoring 25 times a season ago, racking up 20 or more points seven times.
One of Yates' top performances of the season came against its stiffest competition, dropping a season-high 30 points at No. 7 Purdue, chipping in four rebounds and a pair of assists.
Yates and the Huskies begin the regular season on Nov. 3, hosting UAPB at 8:00 p.m. PT. The game will stream live on B1G+.
Follow @UW_MBB on X/Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates on Husky basketball.
Players Mentioned
G
/ Men's BasketballMeant for Montlake Episode 5: Roots
Friday, October 31
Meant for Montlake Episode 4: "Haven't Seen My Best Yet"
Friday, October 31
Meant for Montlake Episode 3: Family Matters
Friday, October 31
Meant for Montlake Episode 1: SoCal Connections
Friday, October 31
