By Mark Haynes | OBSERVER Correspondent
It was the official homecoming of former Folsom High School basketball star Jaylen Wells, which meant the rookie had more responsibilities than usual leading up to the game. These duties included providing family and friends more than 100 tickets, signing autographs, and taking more pictures than he typically does before a game.
It was a hectic day for the Memphis Grizzlies rookie, to say the least, but everything went according to plan – until tip-off. Of the hundred seats he had reserved at Golden 1 Center, his mother, Lakeitha Wells, was not in her assigned seat. After taking the floor in the packed arena, Wells spotted her sitting courtside next to the Grizzlies’ bench, where she remained the entire game.
“It was cool coming out and seeing everyone there to support me,” Wells told The OBSERVER. “I have no idea how my mom ended up sitting courtside, but it was really cool.”
The Sacramento Kings defeated the Grizzlies 138-133 on Jan. 3 on an unforgettable night for the Sacramento native. Wells played the best game of his young career and finished with two new career-bests. Wells scored 30 points and made 8 of 9 three-pointers while guarding De’Aaron Fox and helping force him into a 7-of-23 shooting night.
Afterward, Lakeitha Wells spoke to The OBSERVER about her son’s journey and revealed how she ended up courtside.
“It was a dream come true,” she said, smiling. “I had a friend reach out to me, and she said ‘I have an extra ticket if you want it.’ I said ‘Oh, yeah, really? Where?’ She says courtside. I said, ‘Oh, thank you.’ What a blessing!”
The extraordinary moment for Jaylen and his family felt like a semi-unexpected dream. Throughout his journey, he often was regarded as the underdog. That never deterred the former Folsom High star from diligently working on his game.
Wells was a kid who played on multiple AAU teams growing up because his family didn’t feel that coaches were giving him a real chance. His mother knew he was undersized growing up, so they always searched for the best fit for him to showcase his abilities. When he got to Washington State for college, Lakeitha noticed everything came together for him but was unsure if he was ready for the NBA.
“I think his coach at Washington State is the one who told him to enter the draft,” she said. “That’s when Jaylen told me. … I said, ‘No, you’re not. You have one more year of college.’ He said, ‘No, this is my time.’ And I said OK.”
Wells’ first predraft workout was with the Kings. The Grizzlies, though, chose him with the 39th pick, and he has been an immediate fit. The easy insertion with big-name players like Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jarren Jackson Jr. has allowed Wells to reach some milestones many didn’t expect him to achieve so quickly.
At publication, Wells had started in 32 of 37 games he had played, averaging 11.8 points on 44% shooting overall, 38% three-point range. Wells was named the Western Conference Rookie of the Month for October/November and is an early contender for Rookie of the Year.
“I have a bigger role than I expected,” Wells said. “But I was working like I would have this role. I wasn’t surprised or blindsided by it. I knew I would be ready.”
Wells’ performance has been crucial to the Grizzlies’ success. The 21-year-old has contributed mightily to the team’s 24-13 record at publication time, good for third in the competitive Western Conference. The Grizzlies likely will become more formidable as Wells develops.
Regardless of what the future may bring for his career, Wells can count on his mother, his greatest supporter, to be there. She will wholeheartedly encourage him, offer guidance when needed, and shower him with love throughout his life.
“I’m extremely proud of Jaylen,” Lakeitha Wells said. “He’s gone above and beyond where we thought he would be at the beginning of this year. It’s just amazing.”