A Closer Look: Patrick Wessler
Wessler is set to visit Providence on Sept. 10. Craig provides background on his game and recruitment.
Prospect: Patrick Wessler
Position: Center
School: Combine Academy (Charlotte, NC)
AAU Program: CC Elite/Team Charlotte
Class: 2022
247 Sports Composite National Ranking: 200
Overview:
Patrick Wessler is a 7’0, 250 pound center in the class of 2022 who possesses a solid midrange game with the potential to stretch his jumper to the three point line. Wessler is comfortable with his back to the basket in the post, and he frees himself from defenders with an impressive array of fakes. A 4.0+ student, Wessler is known as a good passer for his size, and a capable rim protector.
Wessler’s Combine Academy team has the potential to be one of the better high school teams not only in North Carolina, but the country, this season. They are led by an elite backcourt featuring Robert Dillingham, the 10th ranked player in the class of 2023 in 247 Sports Composite National Rankings. Dillingham is paired with former Providence commit (turned de-commit and later Illinois pledge) Jayden Epps. The Friars had also spent time recruiting 6’4 guard AJ Smith, who is a Division 1 talent and played very well for Team Charlotte on the Under Armour circuit this summer. Smith is a member of Combine’s prep team.
Last season was Wessler’s first at Combine Academy. He previously played at Butler High School in Matthews, NC where he averaged 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 3.2 blocks per game as a sophomore.
Wessler had this to say about his game, “On defense, I’m primarily a rim protector and rebounder, but I am also able to step out and defend the pick and roll. On offense, I’m primarily a post and midrange scorer, but I’m also capable of stepping out and hitting an open three-pointer.”
Wessler has seen his recruitment rapidly rise in recent months. Over the summer North Carolina State, USC, Ohio State, Iowa, West Virginia, Cincinnati, and others joined a list of scholarship offers that already included Providence, Virginia Tech, Ole Miss, Wake Forest, and more.
Earlier this week, Wessler trimmed his list of five finalists to Providence, Ole Miss, Virginia Tech, NC State, and USC. He is set to visit Providence on Sept. 10 and will decide on a college by October.
What Others Are Saying:
247 Sports (DuShawn London): “Really enjoyed the development of 7-foot big man Patrick Wessler of Team Charlotte. While Wessler isn't a go-to option on offense just yet, he has made big improvements in his game from last year in adding in an effective lefty hook to his game... In terms of Wessler's recruitment he plans on taking some visits after the live period with a decision come (sic) before his high school season.”
Rivals (Jamie Shaw): “Wessler has developed his game throughout the year, as it culminated in the program’s first state championship. At the Big Shots Rockhill Tipoff, he showcased patience on the block with a go-to over his right shoulder for an up and under or jump hook. He finished with 21-points and 12-rebounds in his first game and then an MVP winning 17-points and 11-rebound performance in the semifinals. Wessler said he currently hears the most from Wake Forest, South Florida and Virginia Tech. Expect a lot of Power Five eyes to be on Wessler the second college coaches are allowed on the road.”
More from Rivals: “Wessler walks on the floor as a massive human being. The lefty has long arms and he has a sense of toughness about him. In game, he shows that he has some touch to stretch the floor and he will post up on the block as well. Wessler is able to battle on the boards and affect rebounding while also showing good vision as a willing passer as he lines up on multiple spots on the floor.”
Outlook and Competition
On Providence, Wessler has said, “Coach Cooley has been very active with me and they have said how they would like me to come start for them, so I’m very interested in them. Coach Cooley is really big on building relationships, and I really like that because it makes me feel like they really want me and they are really recruiting me to their program.
“Our relationship has been really good. I've talked a lot with Coach Cooley and Coach Battle. They’re really putting in a lot of effort into developing a relationship with me. They tell me that they want me to come play, and since their big man is graduating they have a need for me. They've been at every event, so I really feel like they're straight shooting.”
He spoke more about Providence and his other finalists in an interview from earlier this week:
With the departure of Nate Watson, Providence will certainly have minutes to fill at the five spot starting in the fall of 2022. Beyond that, the Friars have spent a considerable amount of time feeding the post, which should appeal to a seven footer with Wessler’s game.
Wessler appears to be a good cultural fit, with his focus on both basketball and academics at the next level.
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