William Wesley, one of the NBA’s most connected people and former football and basketball player at Pennsauken High, was hired by the New York Knicks as executive vice president / senior adviser on basketball. The Knicks announced the move on Wednesday.
This is not surprising as 55-year-old Wesley, known as “Worldwide Wes” or simply “Wes” for his friends, has long been friends with the new Knicks’ president, Leon Rose, for whom he has also worked.
Rose, like Wesley, has deep roots in South Jersey, having graduated from Cherry Hill East in 1979. Wesley graduated from Pennsauken in 1983.
The Knicks announced Rose’s hiring in March. Before then, Rose was a highly successful basketball agent, recently for the CAA (Creative Artists Agency), where she was co-responsible for sports and entertainment.
Over the years, Wesley has worked closely with Rose, recently as a CAA consultant.
“My long history and respect for [the Knicks executive owner] Jim Dolan and Leon Rose, as well as the ability to be part of the New York Knicks, made this an opportunity I wanted to pursue,” Wesley said in a release note. from The group. “I can’t wait to join the current staff and move the organization towards a successful future.”
Rose carves out her work in an attempt to highlight the Knicks. This season was the seventh straight where the team failed to make the playoffs. Many big name free agents in recent years have refused to go to New York. The Knicks must hope that Wesley’s connections can help them when it comes to attracting free agents to Madison Square Garden.
“We are very excited to announce the hiring of William Wesley, someone I have known for over 40 years and whom I consider family,” said Rose in a statement. “He is one of the most connected and respected people in the basketball community and will be an extraordinary resource and resource for both me and the New York Knicks.”
The Knicks also announced the hiring of TJ Zanin and Alex Kline as a scout. Both have local roots.