Utah State basketball: 5 Questions with Tai Wesley

Utah State's 6-foot-7 junior power forward has stepped up and become a leader for the Aggies as they enter WAC play next week. Averaging 14 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game, Wesley is a multi-threat player who has the Aggies off to a 9-4 start.

1. Question: Perhaps more than anyone on the roster, you play with emotion. How does that help you and how can it hurt you?

Answer: It can help and it can hurt. When I cross the line it does hurt me. I start doing silly things and I need to play within myself. I almost take things personally. I want to score on the guy that's guarding me and not let him score on me.

2. Question: Personal fouls have been your nemesis at times throughout your career. How have you learned to change your game and the aggression you naturally play with?

Answer: I've struggled a lot with foul trouble. I think it comes with maturity and experience. If a guy is going to get a layup, sometimes you have to let a guy go and score it and not try to block it. I can't be a leader if I'm on the bench.

3. Question: Speaking of being the team leader — that role has really been yours for the past couple of weeks. How did that fall on you and why?

Answer: Why and how? I don't really know. I felt the pressure was on me to step up. I've had discussions with guys like (teammate) Gary (Willkinson) and Coach (Stew) Morrill and he's said I've needed to be more of a stud on the court.  . . . That's something that we definitely needed, but I'm not the only guy to do that. We've got lots of guys that are leaders out there for us.

4. Question: Last year was kind of a dream season with 30 wins. What's the potential for this year's team?

Answer: We need to stop looking at last season. That is over and we got our rings and that's done. This is a new year and we need to find our identity and that's happening slowly. We've got a really talented team and we can have a lot of success. But everyone needs to move on and concentrate on this season.

5. Question: You look like you could play football, maybe as a tight end or defensive end. Did you ever play football?

Answer: I would love to play football. I wanted to in high school but my dad never let me because of basketball. I think it would be a lot of fun, but I don't think Coach Morrill is going to let me.