SAN ANTONIO — The San Antonio Spurs wrapped up their second visit to Austin for the "I-35 Series" this past weekend, it brought back fond memories for guard Blake Wesley.
Before solidifying a spot on the San Antonio roster this season, he commuted to and from Austin and San Antonio, playing for the G-League's Austin Spurs.
He'd hone his basketball skills there, get valuable minutes, and learn the Spurs' system.
But because he is no longer commuting up and down I-35, it does not mean that Austin Spurs head coach Will Voigt is still monitoring his former point guard.
"Will (Voigt) texted me the other day. He told me, 'Good game. Keep up the good work'. I appreciate him. He got me here, coached me well down there, and coached me hard," Wesley said.
In his rookie season with Austin, he scored 20.7 points per game, shot 43%, grabbed 3.7 rebounds, and assisted 2.9 assists in the regular season.
He had impressive numbers in Austin; however, he still found himself on the Austin roster to start his sophomore season.
The Spurs assigned him to the G League to start this season and continue working on his game with Voigt.
During the Showcase Cup this season, he spent 12 games with Voight and showed massive development, averaging 17.5 points per game, 50% field goal shooting, and 4.5 assists.
"He put me in the right position to have the ball in my hands and create for others, just like I'm doing up here. So Austin really helped me a lot to be myself on the court," Wesley said.
While the team was in Austin, several players, including Wesley, showed up to show support for the Austin team.
And it reminded him of just how much the residents of Austin show their support for the G-League team.
"A lot of people went to the G-League game, so it was good for me to see the people there who support the G-League," he said.
The hard work in Austin with Voigt has paid off.
Through 48 games played this season in San Antonio, he is averaging 4.1 points per game, 2.6 assists, 49% shooting, and has connected on 17-19 dunks.
He's been a spark plug for the team off the bench and continues to impress.
"He was confident offensively, he always busts his butt on defense,” Gregg Popovich said.