Former BYU Guard Jesse Wade Will No Longer Continue Basketball Career
Apr 25, 2021, 11:23 PM
Jesse Wade of BYU men's basketball team at media photo day in Provo on Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018. Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
PROVO, Utah – Former BYU basketball guard Jesse Wade is moving on from the game of basketball. One month after announcing he had entered the NCAA’s Transfer Portal, Wade is calling it a career.
The former Mr. Utah during his decorated prep career at Davis High shared a post on social media discussing his decision.
View this post on Instagram
Jesse Wade moving on from basketball
“For the past 24 years this game has meant everything to me and has taught me more about life than anything else. I have put so much into this game, but have received so much more from it in return. I have been so blessed by my Heavenly Father throughout my journey and I am so grateful for everything that I have learned and the person I have become because of this game. After speaking with close family and friends, I have decided to move on with my life and start my next chapter.
“When I first started playing basketball as a kid I had big dreams, but I could have never imagined where this game would take me and what I would be able to accomplish along the way. Thank you @davishighbasketball @zagmbb and @byubasketball for helping me accomplish my dreams. There are countless people to thank in my life. I am forever indebted to so many people. Basketball has introduced me to the most loyal best friends and people in the world. What more can someone ask for?
Thank you all. I have been so blessed with such amazing support. pic.twitter.com/M2YdOFcHWb
— Jesse Wade (@jessewade10) April 25, 2021
“Life doesn’t always go how you plan it, but honestly, that’s what makes it so fun and rewarding. I could talk about how the past few years were difficult with numerous injuries that I had to take care of and a few more that still need to be taken care of, but the journey of fulfilling my childhood dream to play college basketball is something that has changed my life. After my first knee surgery and a torn labrum, I had people around me telling me to give it up and move on with my life, and although that would’ve been easier and made more sense, I knew that I wanted to finish it out no matter how hard it would be.
“This past week I graduated with my degree in Strategic Management from the BYU Marriott School of Business and am ready to start the next chapter in my life. I am grateful for my wife and family who have all sacrificed so much for me. There are no words to accurately describe the sacrifices that my family and a few other people have made for me to accomplish my dreams…all I can say is thank you.
“Above all I want to thank my God and my Savior for doing more with my life than I could ever do alone. Matthew 16:25-26 & John 13:17.”
Wade’s career at BYU
Jesse Wade spent three years in the BYU basketball program after transferring in from WCC rival Gonzaga. Wade had to redshirt his first season with the program in 2018-19. The following year he battled injuries, as he mentioned in his farewell post.
The 6-foot-1, 175-pound guard appeared in nine games during the 2020-21 season and played 42 minutes on the year. Wade had a moment in Indianapolis at the NCAA Tournament where he went viral after getting stuck in the elevator at BYU’s team hotel.
Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (Saturday from 12-3 pm) on KSL Newsradio. Follow him on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper.
