In a sport as glamorous as basketball in the United States, a team’s success is not only built on the back of the 6-foot tall giants that sweat on the court every night. Even though they play the most exciting role in the sport, there are those whose responsibilities fall in the less sexy categories of administration and coaching. One of these people is Wes Wilcox, the current special advisor of the Atlanta Hawks.
Wes’ might not be a household name among fans of the sport, but among those whose job it is to run a team, Wes’s talents and pedigree are notable as shown by his CV with over 3 NBA Franchises, acting in various roles. If you would like to know more about the Atlanta Hawks advisor, read below.
Wes Wilcox’ Bio
As a behind-the-scenes man, not a lot is known about Wes Wilcox’s background. While we do not know where he was born, we know he grew up in La Habra, California.
Having caught a deep interest in basketball very early in his life, Wes unlike other young men at his age who fall in love with a sport, sought to become a basketball coach. It was a passion that made him become a player first, to understand what goes through the mind of the player while he’s on the court, to feel what its like to have hundreds of people screaming for you or at you.
Wes joined the basketball team of his high school, St. Paul High School and despite not having the best physical look or the top class skill, he helped his school to a championship in 1997. His little whirlwind romance as an active player even offered him an opportunity to play for Whittier College.
However, he was a man with only one interest. To become a basketball coach, so he opted to retire early and pursue his coaching career. He attended a coaching clinic in UCLA and spent his college years coaching at his former high school, St. Paul and Orange High School. His desire to meet different professionals in the business and network with other aspiring and established coaches saw him move from Whittier college to Purdue University, then Cal Poly Pomona to Cal State Fullerton where he finished college.
In the year 2000, Wes was appointed the manager of the Fullerton men’s basketball team. He worked at Fullerton for a year under the team’s coach, Donny Daniels where he learned how a basketball program works and got hands-on experience for his future career.
After a year at Fullerton, Wes was able to secure his first NBA role as an intern for the Miami Heat’s scouting/video department. He was at Miami for a year before the recognition of his skills and talent took him to New Orleans where he became the team’s video coordinator from 2002-2003.
Wilcox’ upward stride in the league continued after his time at New Orleans. He moved to the Cleveland Cavaliers where he spent 8 years from 2003 to 2010 in various roles. He started at the Cleveland Cavaliers as an Advance scout and ended his time with the team as the Director of Player Personnel. His journey with the team saw him rise through roles like College scout and Assistant coach.
After 8 years at the Cavaliers, Wes was appointed the assistant General manager of the Atlanta Hawks. A position he held from 2012 to 2015.
Wes’ dream to become a basketball administrator reached fulfillment on June 30, 2015, when he was appointed the General Manager of the Atlanta Hawks. He spent two years as general manager before he came to hold his current position as the Special Advisor of the Hawks. He assumed the role on May 5, 2017.
Wife, Family
Not much is known about Wes Wilcox’s family but we know the Atlanta Hawks Special Advisor is married with three children. Wes is married to Larisha Wilcox and the couple has three children, Jaleah Wilcox, the only daughter and two sons, Jonah and Noah Wilcox. Wes Wilcox’ wife, Larisha is an African American.
Wes Wilcox – Other Facts
Before he got his shot in the NBA, Wes Wilcox had coached and managed two teams – St Paul High School and Orange High School.
During his time at the Cavaliers, he became the first general manager of the club’s NBA Development League Team, the Canton Charge
Wes Wilcox had a short career as a player in high school before pursuing his coaching career. He helped his high school team to a championship and received a scholarship offer to Whittier College. He, however, chose to turn it down.
