In a sport as glamorous as basketball in the United States, a team’s success doesn’t rest solely on the six-foot giants sweating it out on the court every night. Even though they play the most exciting role in the sport, there are those whose responsibilities fall into the less sexy categories of administration and coaching. Wes Wilcox, currently special adviser to the Atlanta Hawks, is one such person.

Wes’ may not be a household name among fans of the sport, but among those whose job it is to lead a team, Wes’ talents and pedigree stand out as evidenced by his resume with over 3 franchises. NBA, playing different roles. If you want to know more about the Atlanta Hawks adviser, read below.

Wes Wilcox bio

As a man behind the scenes, not much is known about Wes Wilcox’s background. Although we don’t know where he was born, we do know that he grew up in La Habra, California.

Having attracted a keen interest in basketball very early in his life, Wes sought to become a basketball coach, unlike young men his age who fell in love with the sport. It’s his passion that made him a player first, to understand what’s going through his mind while he’s on the pitch, to feel the atmosphere when hundreds of people are screaming for you or against you.

Wes joined his team’s basketball team at school, St. Paul High School and although he didn’t have the best physique or upper class skills, he helped his school to a championship in 1997. His whirlwind romance as an active player even landed him an opportunity to play for Whittier College.

However, he was a man with one interest. To become a basketball coach, he therefore decided to retire early and pursue his coaching career. He attended a coaching clinic at UCLA and spent his college years at his former high school, St. Paul and Orange High School. His desire to meet different industry professionals and network with other aspiring and established coaches led him to leave Whittier University to go to Purdue University and then Cal Poly Pomona to Cal State. Fullerton, where he graduated.

In 2000, Wes was named manager of the Fullerton men’s basketball team. He worked for a year at Fullerton under team coach Donny Daniels, where he learned how a basketball program worked and gained hands-on experience for his future career.

After a year at Fullerton, Wes managed to land his first NBA role as an intern for the Miami Heat’s scouting/video department. He was in Miami for a year before recognition of his skills and talent took him to New Orleans where he became the team’s video coordinator from 2002 to 2003.

Wilcox’s advance in the league continues after his time in New Orleans. He moved to the Cleveland Cavaliers where he spent 8 years from 2003 to 2010 in various roles. He started with the Cleveland Cavaliers as an advanced scout and ended his career with the team as director of player personnel. His journey with the team has seen him evolve into roles such as varsity scout and assistant coach.

After 8 years with the Cavaliers, Wes was named assistant general manager of the Atlanta Hawks. A position he held from 2012 to 2015.

Wes’ dream of becoming a basketball administrator culminated on June 30, 2015, when he was named general manager of the Atlanta Hawks. He spent two years as general manager before assuming his current position as special adviser to the Hawks. He assumed the role on May 5, 2017.

wife, family

Not much is known about Wes Wilcox’s family, but we do know that the Atlanta Hawks special adviser is married with three children. Wes is married to Larisha Wilcox and the couple have three children, Jaleah Wilcox, only daughter and two sons, Jonah and Noah Wilcox. Wes Wilcox’s wife, Larisha, is African American.

Wes Wilcox – Other Facts

Before he could play in the NBA, Wes Wilcox had coached and managed two teams – St Paul High School and Orange High School.

While 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 high school player before moving on to a coaching career. He helped his high school team qualify for a championship and received a scholarship offer to Whittier College. However, he chose to refuse it.