Eustis High School Basketball Coach Wesley Green is one of the biggest things to come out of America’s Hometown — and not just because he stands 6’ 10”. 

People look up to Wesley not only because he has a wealth of basketball and life experience, but because he’s a pillar of strength, resilience and guidance in the community. 

His journey from a young boy to leading his alma mater’s basketball team to prominence is a testament to his continuing commitment to the sport he loves and the local student/athletes he mentors. 

Wesley grew up with a basketball in his hands. His father, Kenny Green, was selected in the 1985 NBA Draft with the First-Round 12th overall pick by the Washington Bullets and played two NBA seasons. 

“He played with some of the best in the world,” Wesley says. 

Wesley was regarded as one of the best prep players in Florida when he led Eustis High School to three consecutive appearances in the FHSAA Elite Eight from his sophomore to senior year.

“Having grown up around basketball I also got the chance to play with some of the best players at the AAU level,” Wesley says.

Talent and dedication earned him an athletic scholarship at DePaul University in Chicago, where he continued to hone his skills and pursue a degree in Sociology, followed by a master’s in the same field. 

“I lived the dream,” Wesley recalls. “Now I strive to get these kids to live their dream.”

During his time at DePaul, traveled the United States. 

“Flying around to different areas of the country was cool,” Wesley says. “One of the most unique experiences was playing at the Maui Invitational. That is an experience I will never forget. I always tell my kids, you can have those experiences too if you work hard enough for it.” 

Wesley’s path wasn’t without challenges. His darkest moment came on his 20th birthday. He was still attending DePaul University when his beloved grandmother, Mary Johnson, passed away. 

“That woman helped raise me,” Wesley says. “She meant everything to me. Losing her was one of the hardest things I have ever gone through.” 

This tragedy plunged him into a dark place, but the support and therapy he received at DePaul helped him emerge stronger. 

“I want kids to know that there is a way out of darkness,” Wesley says. “I hope my story inspires them to seek help even if they don’t want it. It can save you. I can’t thank everyone at DePaul University for helping me get through those times so I can have an impact. Giving back is what it’s all about.”

After his playing days, Wesley returned to his roots, taking on coaching duties at Eustis High. Coaching did not come easy to him at first. 

“I had to learn to separate the player from the coach,” Wesley says. “I had some great mentors I learned from, including Coy Patterson, who really had a positive impact on me as a coach. I began coaching the way I was coached at Eustis and used discipline and hard work to foster a sense of brotherhood.”

Wesley assumed the head coaching position following the departure of Coy Patterson two years ago. 

When asked what coaching has taught him about himself, Wesley says he’s learned the importance of patience, hard work and self-belief. 

“Every student/athlete is different,” he says. “They come from different backgrounds. But at the end of the day you have to figure it out yourself. They don’t make handbooks on one kid. Everyone is different. Be it athletics or school, life, I learned to communicate effectively.”

Wesley is calm during games, but he expects a lot from his players during practice. 

“You only get out of basketball what you put into it,” he says. “Sometimes you have to sacrifice things, and that’s not easy, but you have to give your full effort if you want to make it in this game.” 

That philosophy extends beyond the court. Wesley is deeply invested in the mental wellness and academics of his students, and he checks on them weekly, using his background in sociology to understand and address their needs. 

“It’s about the kids, not myself,” Wesley asserts. “’We Not Me’ is something I preach to my kids. I am big on making sure my kids not only get opportunities to play basketball but (also) to study and earn a degree which has helped me in so many ways. I went to play professional basketball in Portugal but after my career was over, I am so glad that I held a degree so that I was able to contribute to something bigger than myself.”

Wesley’s influence stretches beyond Eustis High School. He works as a teacher at Tavares Middle School and dedicates time to working with autistic adults. He has been training and motivating young athletes with the help of friends since 2011. 

“The community at Eustis is amazing. We are a public school, so we don’t get the funding of private education. But everyone helps out,” Wesley says. “Even my mother, Hersina Green, plays a significant role, cooking for the kids and providing a loud voice at the games. She never misses one.”  

Wesley’s dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed. In 2024, he was named Lake & Sumter Style Magazine’s Boys Basketball Coach of the Year for the incredible team he put together along with his many contributions outside of Eustis High. 

Wesley’s story is far from over. He remains committed to the growth and success of his players and Eustis High School. He continues to instill values of hard work, dedication, and the importance of community. His calm demeanor and approachable nature make him a beloved figure in Eustis, a coach who believes in his players and is determined to see them succeed. As Wesley continues to lead Eustis High basketball to new heights, his story serves as an inspiration to all, proving that with resilience, dedication, and a strong support system, to quote Kevin Garnett “anything is possible.”

Photos: Nicole Hamel