NBA: Welsh teenager David Wells bids to fulfil basketball dream in America

Inspired by basketball legends Russell Westbrook and James Harden, Wells’ basketball journey began at Sevenoaks Park in Grangetown, Cardiff, at the age of 14, thanks to his mother’s purchase of a basketball.

“I ended up coming to this exact court the moment I got my basketball,” Wells says. “My first three or four shots went in, and I instantly fell in love with the game.”

Now heading across the Atlantic Ocean, Wells takes inspiration from Welsh athletes’ successes in America, with the likes of Gareth Bale in Major League Soccer and Louis Rees-Zammit’s attempts to crack American Football’s National Football League (NFL).

“It gives me confidence, full confidence, 100%,” he adds. “I have always had that confidence in myself ever since I was a 14-year-old kid.”

Wells also credits Basketball Wales for his development as he continues to make significant strides in his career.

He has played for the Welsh national side since under-16 level, having been selected while impressing for Cardiff City Basketball Club.

“Representing Basketball Wales has been a very big achievement for me,” Wells says.

“They have helped me grow a lot the past few years as I am now in the Wales under-20 national team.”

In addition, the guard believes that we could see a multitude of Welsh basketball players make similar strides in their careers, especially due to basketball culture in Wales seeing a drastic upwards shift.

“It is growing at a rapid rate,” he says. “I am seeing a lot of young hoopers, a lot of young stars, who could potentially go on to achieve amazing things in the future.”

Wells says his “ultimate goal” is to become a Welshman playing in the NBA.

“It is a goal I have been working for, for the past four to five years, and I know I am going to accomplish it,” he said.