Memphis Grizzlies select former Folsom High School star Jaylen Wells in 2024 NBA draft

Jason Anderson
·2 min read
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A former Folsom High School star realized his dream Thursday when his name was called in the second round of the 2024 NBA draft.

The Memphis Grizzlies selected Washington State forward Jaylen Wells with the 39th overall pick. Wells, the 2021 Sacramento Bee All-Metro Player of the Year, improved his draft stock considerably after receiving a last-minute invitation to the NBA combine in Chicago.

Wells, 20, is a 6-foot-6 ½, 206-pound small forward who has flourished since entering high school as a 5-6 freshman. He averaged 26.0 points per game as a senior at Folsom before going to Sonoma State, where he was a Division II All-American after averaging 22.1 points and 8.1 rebounds as a sophomore.

Wells demonstrated remarkable efficiency at Sonoma State, shooting 59.1% from the field, 57.1% from 3-point range and 90% at the free-throw line. Wells then transferred to Washington State, where he averaged 12.6 points and 4.6 rebounds as a junior last season.

Wells played a key role as the third-leading scorer for a Washington State team that went 25-10 overall. The Cougars finished second in the Pac-12 Conference before earning an at-large bid to reach the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2008. Wells shot 41.7% from 3-point range on 4.9 attempts per game. He also shot 81.4% at the free-throw line.

Wells wasn’t even mentioned in mock drafts before the combine, but he climbed quickly on draft boards after going to Chicago with his agent, Maurice Johnson of PNW Sports Group.

Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman wrote: “From Division II to Washington State and the NBA combine, Jaylen Wells has become a second-round name for teams to consider. Scouts have started to picture a shotmaking specialist with his wing size and outstanding spot-up and pull-up shooting accuracy.”

The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor noted that Wells has shades of Washington Wizards small forward Corey Kispert as a “shooter who has made a late surge to position himself for a chance in the pros.”