![\"David](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/ed47423606a16ac63db3da85c4572bc7.jpeg\"\/)
<\/p>\nIt is a rare occurrence; a Welsh boy packing his bags, aiming to fulfil his basketball dream in the USA.<\/p>\n
David Wells is living this reality. The 19-year-old is heading to Mississippi to join Meridian Community College’s National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) basketball programme on a full scholarship.<\/p>\n
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An uncommon sight; when most kids in Wales aspire to be the next Jac Morgan or Aaron Ramsey, Wells’ driving passion is to be a National Basketball Association (NBA) superstar.<\/p>\n
After playing two years at St David’s College in Cardiff, Wells was scouted to play in the United States by excelling at Sheffield College over the past year.<\/p>\n
Wells left his family in Cardiff and moved to Sheffield. He will now look to wave the Welsh flag high, starring in the Meridian green and white.<\/p>\n
He was with his friends when told the news, and says: “My coach finally texted me, ‘Congratulations, you got a full ride to Meridian Community College’.”<\/p>\n
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Explaining the NBA route to BBC Sport Wales, Wells adds: “NJCAA basketball is the highest major college basketball that you can play in America.<\/p>\n
“After that NJCAA Division One, you have the NBA, which is the Premier League in the world.<\/p>\n
“So, in order for me to get to the league, I will have to earn myself a Division One offer from NJCAA.”<\/p>\n
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[The Sheffield College]<\/p>\n
His journey so far and looking to the future<\/p>\n
Inspired by basketball legends Russell Westbrook and James Harden, Wells’ basketball journey began at Sevenoaks Park in Grangetown, Cardiff, at the age of 14, thanks to his mother’s purchase of a basketball.<\/p>\n
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“I ended up coming to this exact court the moment I got my basketball,” Wells says. “My first three or four shots went in, and I instantly fell in love with the game.”<\/p>\n
Now heading across the Atlantic Ocean, Wells takes inspiration from Welsh athletes’ successes in America, with the likes of Gareth Bale in Major League Soccer and Louis Rees-Zammit’s attempts to crack American Football’s National Football League (NFL).<\/p>\n
“It gives me confidence, full confidence, 100%,” he adds. “I have always had that confidence in myself ever since I was a 14-year-old kid.”<\/p>\n
Wells also credits Basketball Wales for his development as he continues to make significant strides in his career.<\/p>\n
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He has played for the Welsh national side since under-16 level, having been selected while impressing for Cardiff City Basketball Club.<\/p>\n
“Representing Basketball Wales has been a very big achievement for me,” Wells says.<\/p>\n
“They have helped me grow a lot the past few years as I am now in the Wales under-20 national team.”<\/p>\n
In addition, the guard believes that we could see a multitude of Welsh basketball players make similar strides in their careers, especially due to basketball culture in Wales seeing a drastic upwards shift.<\/p>\n
“It is growing at a rapid rate,” he says. “I am seeing a lot of young hoopers, a lot of young stars, who could potentially go on to achieve amazing things in the future.”<\/p>\n
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Wells says his “ultimate goal” is to become a Welshman playing in the NBA.<\/p>\n
“It is a goal I have been working for, for the past four to five years, and I know I am going to accomplish it,” he said.<\/p>\n
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