UPDATE: Team Guam’s basketball star Tai Wesley is poised to enter the final chapter of his illustrious career as the team prepares for the World Cup Qualifiers starting this Friday, November 29. At 39 years old, Wesley acknowledges that these critical matches could mark his last appearances in a Guam jersey on the world stage.
With Guam making history by qualifying for the World Cup for the first time, the pressure is on as they face formidable opponents, including the Philippines, Australia, and New Zealand in Pool A. Wesley, who previously starred in the Australia pro league before retiring in 2020, expressed his emotions about this significant moment, stating, “It’s something we set out to do, and now that we’re here, it’s something that we’re so excited to take part of.”
The games kick off against Gilas Pilipinas in Manila this Friday, with a quick turnaround for a home-and-away matchup on Monday. Following these matches, Guam will face Australia and New Zealand in February, March, and July of next year, marking a thrilling journey through international basketball.
Wesley has been integral to Guam’s rise in the basketball world, leading the team to gold medal victories at the 2015 and 2019 Pacific Games. Reflecting on his decade-long journey, he remarked, “Ten years ago, I started with Team Guam. We won the gold in Papua New Guinea and now we’re playing against massive countries on the biggest stage in world basketball.”
Although Wesley has contemplated retirement, he promises to bring the same passion to the court that has defined his career. “I always love representing Guam and I play with everything,” Wesley said. “In this building, we feel that we have a chance against anybody.”
As the team gears up for this unprecedented opportunity, the emotional stakes are high not just for Wesley, but for the entire island of Guam. His contributions to the team and the sport have inspired many, and his final games are expected to leave a lasting legacy.
Stay tuned for the latest updates as Team Guam embarks on this historic journey.
