Post by Kasey on Jan 15, 2014 13:20:53 GMT -8
in a piece from Chris Haynes from over at CSNNW.com, Wesley talks about identifying with his father and repairing their strained relationship.
click here to read the entire article.
“I had a famous father who wasn’t around and I’m carrying his name. So, yeah, that was my obstacle growing up.”
Raised in Bridgeport, Conn., the elder Matthews went on to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he starred in basketball for three seasons. He left the school as the No. 2 all-time scorer in school history and his 18.1 points per game average still ranks third. His personality was endearing and his basketball game was massive. The people in Madison adored Matthews Sr.
Matthews Sr. entered the 1980 NBA Draft and was taken at No. 14 by the Washington Bullets. He completed a 10-year, journeyman NBA career that brought about two championship rings during his time as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers in the late ‘80s. During those championship runs with the Lakers, Matthews Sr. and Moore gave birth to Wesley Matthews Jr. in the fall of 1986.
Shortly after, according to the Trail Blazer guard, Matthews Sr. “took off,” leaving the child before he ever knew his father, in a place where everybody else did.
Shortly after, according to the Trail Blazer guard, Matthews Sr. “took off,” leaving the child before he ever knew his father, in a place where everybody else did.
“I’m living in probably his second-most popular city that he’s lived in other than Bridgeport,” he said. “I mean, he’s the man in Wisconsin. I’m carrying his name and I knew nothing about him other than that everybody else around me loved him. And I’m having the toughest time trying to figure out why the hell he’s not around.”
How do things stand now?
Headway has been made, but not much. Matthews says his dad made the step of trying to enter his life when he was a senior in high school. A hardened Matthews was reluctant and hesitant to embrace him, and much of that remains today.
Matthews Sr. continues to make a concerted effort to be a part of his son’s life. He’ll show up at road games and keeps in touch through text messages.
Headway has been made, but not much. Matthews says his dad made the step of trying to enter his life when he was a senior in high school. A hardened Matthews was reluctant and hesitant to embrace him, and much of that remains today.
Matthews Sr. continues to make a concerted effort to be a part of his son’s life. He’ll show up at road games and keeps in touch through text messages.
click here to read the entire article.