Last Updated on October 9, 2026 by Pedro Salcas
Blake Wesley is an American professional basketball player who signed with the Los Angeles Clippers ahead of the 2026–27 NBA season. Born on March 16, 2003, in South Bend, Indiana, his full name is Blake Carrington Wesley. Standing approximately 6 feet 4 inches tall, Wesley is known for his athleticism, speed, defensive energy and ability to attack the basket. He played college basketball at the University of Notre Dame before being selected by the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the 2022 NBA Draft.
Beyond his achievements on the basketball court, Blake Wesley comes from a close-knit family with strong connections to sports, education and community service. His parents are Derrick Wesley Sr. and Leslie Wesley, while his two older siblings are Taylor Wesley and Derrick Wesley Jr. His father was an outstanding college basketball player at Ball State University, and his mother has worked in education and youth development. Although Wesley has spoken openly about his family’s influence, he has kept his romantic relationships and other aspects of his private life largely away from public attention.
Blake Wesley’s Girlfriend: Is He Dating Anyone?
Blake Wesley has not publicly confirmed having a girlfriend as of October 2026. The Los Angeles Clippers guard has generally maintained a private romantic life, choosing to focus public attention primarily on basketball, his family and his professional development.
Despite increasing interest in his personal life after he entered the NBA in 2022, there are no reliable public reports identifying a current girlfriend or confirming a romantic relationship.
Wesley occasionally shares photographs and updates about basketball, training and personal experiences on social media. However, these posts do not establish whether he is currently dating someone.
During interviews throughout his high school and college basketball careers, Wesley frequently discussed his parents, siblings and ambitions of becoming a professional basketball player.
He also spoke about the importance of education, community involvement and maintaining a balanced lifestyle outside basketball.
However, he has not made a widely reported public announcement introducing a romantic partner.
Consequently, it remains unclear whether Wesley is single or privately dating someone. Without confirmation from the player or credible reporting, speculation about his relationship status should not be presented as fact.
Blake Wesley’s Children: Does He Have Any Kids?
There are no publicly confirmed reports that Blake Wesley has children. The professional basketball player has not announced becoming a father, and reliable NBA and college basketball biographies do not identify any sons or daughters.
Born in March 2003, Wesley entered the NBA at just 19 years old after spending one season playing college basketball at Notre Dame.
Since beginning his professional career, he has spent much of his time training, traveling and competing against established NBA players.
Although Wesley has discussed the importance of his parents and older siblings, he has not publicly shared information about raising children of his own.
There are also no credible public reports confirming that he is married.
As of now, Wesley has no publicly confirmed children.
Blake Wesley’s Parents
Blake Wesley was born to Derrick Wesley Sr. and Leslie Wesley in South Bend, Indiana.
Both parents grew up in the South Bend area before pursuing higher education and professional opportunities elsewhere.
Derrick attended Riley High School and later played college basketball at Ball State University, while Leslie graduated from LaSalle High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University Bloomington.
After spending several years away from their hometown, the couple returned to South Bend to raise their family.
They have three children: Taylor, Derrick Jr. and Blake.
The household combined an appreciation for athletics with strong educational values and involvement in the local community.
Both parents encouraged Blake to pursue his basketball ambitions while understanding the importance of academics, personal responsibility and family relationships.
Blake Wesley’s Father: Derrick Wesley Sr.
Derrick Wesley Sr. is Blake Wesley’s father, a former college basketball star and member of the Ball State University Athletics Hall of Fame.
His basketball background played an important role in shaping Blake’s development.
Derrick grew up in South Bend, Indiana, where he attended Riley High School, the same school his son would later represent.
After graduating, he enrolled at Ball State University and played for the Cardinals from 1984 to 1988.
During his four-year college career, Derrick established himself as one of the university’s most productive basketball players.
According to Ball State’s official athletics records, he scored 1,729 career points, finishing his college career ranked third on the school’s all-time scoring list at the time.
He appeared in 114 games, started 100 and scored in double figures on 89 occasions.
He also recorded 34 performances with at least 20 points and four games with more than 30 points.
During the 1986–87 season, Derrick earned Second-Team All-Mid-American Conference honors.
He improved further during his senior season in 1987–88, earning First-Team All-MAC recognition.
He also received Academic All-MAC honors during his junior and senior seasons, demonstrating his commitment to education alongside athletics.
Derrick was named Ball State’s co-Most Valuable Player during his junior season and the team’s MVP as a senior.
His achievements eventually earned him induction into the Ball State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1998.
Although he did not pursue a widely documented NBA playing career, his experience in competitive college basketball provided valuable knowledge that he later shared with his children.
Derrick Wesley Sr.’s Professional Career
After completing his college basketball career, Derrick Wesley Sr. pursued opportunities in business and insurance.
According to a July 2020 interview published by Sports Illustrated’s Notre Dame coverage, he initially worked in Bloomington, Indiana, before relocating to Indianapolis.
The family eventually returned to South Bend, where Derrick established a State Farm insurance agency.
His professional career required balancing business responsibilities with raising three children.
Despite those commitments, he remained closely involved in their education and athletic activities.
Derrick also supported Blake’s basketball development through individual training and guidance.
In a June 2020 interview with Inside the Hall, Derrick explained that Blake was completing three or four workouts each day while preparing for his senior high school season.
The training sessions focused on improving his physical strength, basketball skills and overall conditioning.
Derrick enjoyed the opportunity to work closely with his son and help him prepare for college basketball.
However, he also emphasized the importance of maintaining balance between basketball and family life.
In his Sports Illustrated interview, Derrick explained that the family did not want Blake’s increasing popularity to interfere with ordinary responsibilities.
He believed that education, family time, personal development and community service should remain important regardless of athletic success.
These values helped Blake remain focused as he became one of Indiana’s leading high school basketball prospects.
Blake Wesley’s Mother: Leslie Wesley
Leslie Wesley is Blake Wesley’s mother, an education advocate and community leader from South Bend, Indiana.
She attended LaSalle High School before continuing her education at Indiana University Bloomington.
Leslie earned a bachelor’s degree and subsequently developed a professional career connected to education, parenting support and youth development.
Her family also had a strong educational background.
According to Derrick Wesley Sr., several of Leslie’s relatives worked as teachers, school administrators and principals in the South Bend area.
Growing up in an environment that valued education influenced how she raised her own children.
Leslie encouraged Taylor, Derrick Jr. and Blake to take school seriously while participating in sports and extracurricular activities.
During Blake’s childhood, she supported his basketball ambitions but also emphasized the importance of developing interests beyond athletics.
She was involved in school and community programs designed to improve educational opportunities for local children.
In 2020, Notre Dame’s official recruiting announcement identified Leslie as a representative for District 3 on the South Bend Community School Corporation Board of Trustees.
She served on the school board from 2017 through 2024.
Her work involved participating in discussions about educational programs, school policies and student development.
Leslie has also held a leadership role with the Indiana Parenting Institute of St. Joseph County, an organization that supports young people and families through educational and community initiatives.
Leslie Wesley’s Work in Education and Community Development
One of Leslie Wesley’s most significant professional commitments has been supporting young people through the Indiana Parenting Institute of St. Joseph County.
The organization provides educational resources, after-school learning opportunities and programs designed to prepare students for college and careers.
According to a March 2022 report published by WVPE, Leslie served as the organization’s executive director.
She explained that its initiatives included tutoring, credit recovery, financial literacy education and college readiness activities.
One program, known as Pathways to Success, focused on helping students improve their educational outcomes and prepare for future opportunities.
Another initiative provided college visits for young people from South Bend, allowing them to explore universities and possible career paths.
Leslie’s work reflected the educational values that were also emphasized within the Wesley household.
Her professional experience helped Blake understand the importance of preparing for life beyond basketball.
In a July 2020 interview with Sports Illustrated, Derrick Wesley explained that Blake had developed an interest in sports broadcasting and media production.
At the time, the young basketball player was taking a sports broadcasting class and considering studying a related subject in college.
His interest demonstrated that his family encouraged him to think about future professional opportunities beyond playing basketball.
How Leslie Wesley Supported Blake’s College Decision
Leslie played an important role when Blake decided to attend the University of Notre Dame.
Because Notre Dame is located in South Bend, the university was only a short distance from the family home.
Although having their son nearby was convenient, Leslie and Derrick wanted him to develop independence.
In a November 2020 interview with WNDU, Leslie explained that the family intended to treat Blake’s college experience as though he were attending a university hundreds of miles away.
She wanted him to take responsibility for his education, schedule and daily activities.
The approach reflected her belief that young adults need opportunities to make decisions and develop independence.
At the same time, Blake’s parents remained enthusiastic about watching him compete for Notre Dame.
They attended games and continued supporting him as he adjusted to the demands of college basketball.
Leslie’s encouragement and educational background helped provide stability during an important transition in his life.
Blake Wesley’s Siblings
Blake Wesley has two older siblings: a sister named Taylor Wesley and a brother named Derrick Wesley Jr.
Their names are confirmed in official University of Notre Dame basketball biographies.
Both siblings grew up in the South Bend area and participated in organized sports during their school years.
Like their parents, they developed interests in education, athletics and community activities.
Blake is the youngest of the three children.
Growing up with older siblings helped him develop social confidence, independence and a competitive personality.
Blake Wesley’s Older Sister: Taylor Wesley
Taylor Wesley is Blake Wesley’s older sister and a former college basketball player at Indiana University South Bend.
She grew up in the same athletic household as Blake and their brother Derrick Jr.
During childhood, Taylor participated in sports and developed an interest in competitive basketball.
After completing high school, she enrolled at Indiana University South Bend, where she represented the Titans women’s basketball team.
According to Notre Dame’s official basketball biography of Blake Wesley, Taylor played college basketball from 2016 to 2020.
Her participation provided Blake with an early example of the dedication required to compete at the collegiate level.
While he was still developing as a high school basketball player, Taylor was already gaining experience against college opponents.
Her achievements demonstrated that basketball could provide opportunities for education and personal development.
Taylor Wesley’s College Basketball Career
During her years at Indiana University South Bend, Taylor Wesley competed in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference.
She contributed to the Titans through scoring, rebounding and defensive effort.
Official university statistics show that she appeared in all 29 games during the 2018–19 season, starting 12.
She averaged approximately 19 minutes per game and recorded 184 points, 114 rebounds and 28 assists during the campaign.
Her performances demonstrated her ability to contribute in several areas of the game.
Taylor subsequently completed her college basketball career in 2020.
Her experience contributed to the family’s strong sporting tradition, alongside their father’s achievements at Ball State University.
Although Taylor has generally maintained a private life following college, her athletic accomplishments remain documented in official university records.
Her continued support for Blake was visible in February 2024, when members of the Wesley family attended the retirement of his high school basketball jersey at Riley High School.
Blake Wesley’s Older Brother: Derrick Wesley Jr.
Derrick Wesley Jr. is Blake Wesley’s older brother and another important member of his family.
He was raised in South Bend, Indiana, alongside Taylor and Blake.
Growing up, Derrick Jr. participated in sports and other school activities, contributing to the competitive environment within the household.
According to official University of Notre Dame biographies, Derrick Jr. is one of Blake’s two older siblings.
Like his brother and sister, he benefited from a family environment that emphasized education and personal development.
Secondary biographical reporting identifies Derrick Jr. as a former student at Indiana University South Bend.
He has also been associated with youth development work through the Indiana Parenting Institute of St. Joseph County.
However, detailed current information about his employment and private life is limited.
Unlike Blake, Derrick Jr. has not pursued a widely documented professional NBA career.
Nevertheless, he has remained an important part of the family.
His relationship with Blake was particularly visible during the February 2024 ceremony at Riley High School.
According to the South Bend Tribune, Wesley attended the event with his parents and older siblings, who celebrated his achievements together.
How Blake Wesley’s Family Influenced His Basketball Career
Blake Wesley’s basketball development was strongly influenced by his father’s experience at Ball State University and the supportive environment created by his mother and older siblings.
Growing up in South Bend, Indiana, Wesley was exposed to basketball from an early age.
His father understood the demands of college athletics and encouraged him to develop fundamental skills through consistent practice.
However, basketball was not Blake’s only childhood sporting interest.
He also participated in soccer and American football.
In a July 2020 interview with Sports Illustrated, Wesley explained that he had played several football positions, including quarterback, wide receiver and safety.
He enjoyed football and initially considered pursuing the sport more seriously.
However, a thumb injury sustained during a football game contributed to his decision to concentrate exclusively on basketball.
As he developed, Wesley became increasingly interested in improving his shooting, ball-handling and athletic conditioning.
His father helped him establish demanding training routines while encouraging him to remain disciplined in school.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Wesley used the additional time to improve his physical strength and basketball abilities.
He followed a regular program involving weight training, shooting practice and conditioning.
His father closely monitored his progress and helped him prepare for his senior high school season.
These experiences helped Wesley become one of Indiana’s most promising basketball prospects.
Blake Wesley’s High School Basketball Career
Blake Wesley attended James Whitcomb Riley High School in South Bend, Indiana.
The school held special significance because his father, Derrick Wesley Sr., had also played basketball there before beginning his successful college career.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Blake became one of the school’s most recognizable basketball players.
During his junior season, he averaged approximately 26.0 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.
His performances attracted interest from several NCAA Division I basketball programs.
Wesley continued improving during his senior season in 2020–21.
According to Notre Dame’s official athletics records, he averaged 27.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 2.1 assists per game.
He also helped Riley finish with a 19–7 record and win a Class 4A sectional championship.
Wesley finished his high school career with 1,496 points, becoming one of the school’s most accomplished players.
His performances earned him a place on the 2021 Indiana All-Star team.
He also received multiple all-state and all-conference honors.
Major recruiting services regarded him as a four-star prospect, recognizing his athleticism and potential to become a successful college basketball player.
His achievements attracted scholarship offers from several prominent universities.
However, Wesley eventually decided to remain in his hometown and attend Notre Dame.
Why Blake Wesley Chose Notre Dame
In November 2020, Blake Wesley announced his commitment to the University of Notre Dame.
The decision was particularly meaningful because he had grown up in South Bend, only a short distance from the university’s campus.
His parents were pleased that he would remain close to home, allowing them to attend games without extensive travel.
However, they also wanted him to develop independence and take responsibility for his own college experience.
Notre Dame’s coaching staff, led by Mike Brey, recognized Wesley’s potential as an athletic guard capable of contributing on both ends of the court.
He became the first South Bend public school boys’ basketball player to sign with Notre Dame since Michael Smith in 1985.
His decision attracted considerable attention in the local community because he was one of the area’s most successful recent high school prospects.
Wesley officially joined the Fighting Irish for the 2021–22 college basketball season.
Blake Wesley’s College Basketball Career at Notre Dame
Blake Wesley made an immediate impact during his freshman season at Notre Dame.
He scored 21 points during his college debut against Cal State Northridge in November 2021.
His combination of speed, athleticism and scoring ability quickly made him an important member of the Fighting Irish.
Wesley continued producing impressive performances against Atlantic Coast Conference opponents.
During the 2021–22 season, he averaged 14.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.3 steals per game.
He appeared in 35 games, starting 28, and helped Notre Dame reach the NCAA Tournament.
His performances earned him Second-Team All-ACC recognition and a place on the ACC All-Rookie Team.
Wesley also became known for his ability to create scoring opportunities through driving to the basket.
His defensive energy and athletic potential attracted considerable attention from NBA scouts.
After completing his freshman season, he decided to enter the 2022 NBA Draft rather than return to Notre Dame.
The decision marked an important milestone for the Wesley family because Blake was preparing to follow his father’s college basketball experience with a professional career in the NBA.
Blake Wesley’s Journey to the NBA
On June 23, 2022, Blake Wesley was selected with the 25th overall pick in the first round of the NBA Draft by the San Antonio Spurs.
The selection made him the first Notre Dame player to be drafted in the first round since Jerian Grant in 2015.
His family celebrated the achievement, recognizing the years of training and commitment required to reach professional basketball.
For his father, Derrick, the occasion was especially meaningful because he had previously experienced success in college basketball but had not established a comparable NBA playing career.
Blake’s selection represented a continuation of the family’s basketball tradition.
He subsequently signed his rookie contract with the Spurs and joined the organization ahead of the 2022–23 season.
During his early professional career, Wesley divided time between San Antonio and its NBA G League affiliate, the Austin Spurs.
The arrangement allowed him to gain playing experience while adjusting to the speed and physical demands of the NBA.
He also had opportunities to learn from experienced players and coaches.
During his first three NBA seasons, Wesley appeared in 156 regular-season games for San Antonio.
Although his playing time varied, he continued developing his ball-handling, passing and defensive skills.
In July 2025, Wesley signed with the Portland Trail Blazers, beginning a new stage of his professional career.
After spending the 2025–26 season with Portland, he became available to other NBA organizations.
On September 27, 2026, Wesley signed an Exhibit 10 training-camp contract with the Los Angeles Clippers.
The agreement gave him an opportunity to compete for a place in the Clippers organization ahead of the 2026–27 NBA season.
His continued presence in professional basketball reflects the determination and discipline encouraged by his family throughout childhood.
Blake Wesley’s Family Celebrated His High School Jersey Retirement
One of the most memorable family moments in Blake Wesley’s basketball career occurred on February 16, 2024, when Riley High School retired his basketball jersey.
Wesley returned to South Bend for the ceremony while playing professionally for the San Antonio Spurs.
The event took place at Riley High School’s Oldham Gymnasium, where he had developed into one of Indiana’s leading basketball prospects.
According to the South Bend Tribune, Wesley attended the ceremony alongside his parents, Derrick and Leslie, and his two older siblings, Taylor and Derrick Jr.
The family sat together during the celebration and watched as the school recognized Blake’s achievements.
Coaches, former teammates, students and members of the local community also attended.
The ceremony honored Wesley’s high school accomplishments, including his sectional championship, Indiana All-Star selection and successful transition to Notre Dame.
His subsequent selection in the 2022 NBA Draft made the occasion even more significant.
For Wesley, returning to the gym where his basketball career had developed provided an opportunity to reflect on the support he had received from his family and hometown.
For his parents and siblings, the celebration represented recognition of the work and sacrifices that had contributed to his success.
Blake Wesley’s Family Values and Community Connections
One of the defining characteristics of the Wesley family is its strong connection to South Bend, Indiana.
Both Derrick and Leslie grew up in the area and later returned to raise their children.
They remained involved in local education, business and community activities even as Blake became a nationally recognized basketball player.
Leslie’s work in education and youth development helped establish the importance of academic achievement within the family.
Derrick’s business career and experience as a college athlete reinforced the value of discipline and preparation.
In a 2020 interview with Sports Illustrated, Derrick explained that the family wanted Blake to enjoy a normal childhood despite receiving attention from major college basketball programs.
He emphasized that homework, family responsibilities and community involvement were just as important as athletic training.
This approach helped Wesley remain connected to his hometown and maintain relationships outside basketball.
His decision to attend Notre Dame was also influenced by his familiarity with the South Bend community.
Even after moving away to pursue his NBA career, he continued maintaining ties with the region.
His return for the 2024 Riley High School jersey retirement ceremony demonstrated the importance of those connections.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blake Wesley’s Family
Who is Blake Wesley’s girlfriend?
Blake Wesley has not publicly confirmed having a girlfriend. His current relationship status remains private, and no romantic partner has been reliably identified.
Is Blake Wesley married?
There are no credible public reports confirming that Blake Wesley is married.
Does Blake Wesley have children?
There are no publicly confirmed reports that Blake Wesley has any children.
Who are Blake Wesley’s parents?
Blake Wesley’s parents are Derrick Wesley Sr. and Leslie Wesley. His father is a former college basketball star at Ball State University, while his mother has worked in education, youth development and community leadership.
Who is Blake Wesley’s father?
His father is Derrick Wesley Sr., a former Ball State University basketball player who scored 1,729 career points and was inducted into the university’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 1998.
Who is Blake Wesley’s mother?
His mother is Leslie Wesley, an Indiana University graduate, former South Bend school board member and education advocate associated with the Indiana Parenting Institute of St. Joseph County.
How many siblings does Blake Wesley have?
Blake Wesley has two older siblings: a sister named Taylor Wesley and a brother named Derrick Wesley Jr.
Who is Blake Wesley’s sister?
His older sister is Taylor Wesley, who played college basketball at Indiana University South Bend from 2016 to 2020.
Who is Blake Wesley’s brother?
His older brother is Derrick Wesley Jr., who grew up in South Bend and has been associated with education and youth development activities in the community.
Is Blake Wesley the youngest in his family?
Yes. Blake Wesley is the youngest of three children born to Derrick and Leslie Wesley.
Did Blake Wesley’s father play in the NBA?
Derrick Wesley Sr. had a successful college basketball career at Ball State University but does not have a widely documented NBA playing career.
What did Blake Wesley’s father accomplish at Ball State?
Derrick Wesley Sr. scored 1,729 career points, earned First-Team All-MAC honors in 1988 and was inducted into the Ball State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1998.
What does Blake Wesley’s mother do?
Leslie Wesley has worked in education and community development, including leadership with the Indiana Parenting Institute of St. Joseph County. She previously served on the South Bend school board.
How old is Blake Wesley?
Blake Wesley was born on March 16, 2003, making him 23 years old as of October 2026.
What is Blake Wesley’s full name?
His full name is Blake Carrington Wesley.
Where is Blake Wesley from?
Blake Wesley was born and raised in South Bend, Indiana, United States. He attended James Whitcomb Riley High School before playing college basketball at Notre Dame.
Where did Blake Wesley play college basketball?
Blake Wesley played college basketball at the University of Notre Dame during the 2021–22 season. He earned Second-Team All-ACC and ACC All-Rookie Team honors.
Which NBA team drafted Blake Wesley?
The San Antonio Spurs selected Blake Wesley with the 25th overall pick in the first round of the 2022 NBA Draft.
Which NBA team is Blake Wesley with in 2026?
Blake Wesley signed an Exhibit 10 training-camp contract with the Los Angeles Clippers in September 2026 after previously playing for the San Antonio Spurs and Portland Trail Blazers.
Did Blake Wesley play football?
Yes. Wesley played American football during childhood, including positions such as quarterback, wide receiver and safety, before deciding to focus exclusively on basketball.
Pedro Salcas is a dedicated sports journalist and NBA specialist focused on team strategy, player performance, and league news. Tracking action across the Eastern and Western Conferences, he breaks down complex game tape, roster moves, and statistics into clear, engaging analysis. From preseason storylines to deep playoff runs, Pedro brings a sharp analytical perspective and passion for basketball to keep readers informed on everything happening in the NBA.
