PULLMAN, Wash. – Jaylen Wells, a transfer from Sonoma State University, will play basketball at Washington State next season, Cougar head coach Kyle announced, Tuesday. Wells, a Division II All-American, was named the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Player of the Year, leading the league in scoring and tied for first in rebounds.
"Jaylen is a great individual with a strong support system, and we're excited to welcome him to Washington State," Coach Smith said. "He's had great individual success and is looking to prove himself at a higher level. We're excited for him to get that opportunity."
Wells, a 6-7 small forward, completed one of the most successful offensive seasons in Sonoma State history, leading the league in scoring with 22.1 points per game and tied for first in rebounding with 8.7 boards per contest. The Sacramento sophomore shot .523 percent from the field (fourth CCAA) and .858 percent from the free throw line (second CCAA).
"As a basketball player, Jaylen is a '6-tool guy,'" Smith added. "He can play multiple positions. He can dribble, pass, drive, shoot, defend, and rebound. He's a late bloomer that has a big upside. We're really excited to have him at WSU."
Wells recorded 10 double-doubles, scoring at least 13 points in every game. He topped the 30-point plateau seven times, including a season-best 38 points against CCAA Champions, Cal State San Bernardino. His efforts helped Sonoma State go from the team picked last in the preseason coaches' poll to earning its first berth in the CCAA Tournament since 2017.
"Jaylen is a great individual with a strong support system, and we're excited to welcome him to Washington State," Coach Smith said. "He's had great individual success and is looking to prove himself at a higher level. We're excited for him to get that opportunity."
Wells, a 6-7 small forward, completed one of the most successful offensive seasons in Sonoma State history, leading the league in scoring with 22.1 points per game and tied for first in rebounding with 8.7 boards per contest. The Sacramento sophomore shot .523 percent from the field (fourth CCAA) and .858 percent from the free throw line (second CCAA).
"As a basketball player, Jaylen is a '6-tool guy,'" Smith added. "He can play multiple positions. He can dribble, pass, drive, shoot, defend, and rebound. He's a late bloomer that has a big upside. We're really excited to have him at WSU."
Wells recorded 10 double-doubles, scoring at least 13 points in every game. He topped the 30-point plateau seven times, including a season-best 38 points against CCAA Champions, Cal State San Bernardino. His efforts helped Sonoma State go from the team picked last in the preseason coaches' poll to earning its first berth in the CCAA Tournament since 2017.