1 on 1 with Wheza Panzo

by | Oct 12, 2022 | NCAA Basketball

1. How’d you get started hooping ?

Wheza:I started hooping when I was about 5 years old, I used to see my brother and all the older guys in my area play at the YMCA so I started because I wanted to be like them.

2. You’ve had a unique journey to get to where you are today, what was your experience playing prep basketball in the states like ?

Wheza: My experience playing prep ball was definitely up and down, had some challenges at first but I ended up getting used to the speed and the style of play. 

3. What was the biggest difference between playing in America & Canada?

Wheza: I feel like the biggest difference at the time was the competition. Every night you were playing someone good well at least at the schools I was at, we played high level talent every game.

4. What was it like playing for team Canada ?

Wheza:Playing for Team Canada was a great experience, although I didn’t get to play the whole tournament because I ended up getting hurt, being able to play on home soil while playing for the national team was one of the best experiences I’ve had playing basketball. 

5. What has playing with guys like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nickeil Alexander-Walker & Andrew Nembhard ?

Wheza:It’s great being able to learn from guys like that, and also just seeing the work ethic those guys had especially at a young age helped me a lot.

6. Less than 2% of kids make it to the division one level, and you’ve beat the odds, what has it been like playing in the NCAA? 

Wheza:I always dreamed of playing D1 basketball so to be actually doing it now is a blessing. It’s been very fun playing these last couple years.

7. If you could give a kid 1 piece of advice for what it takes to get to where you are today, what would that be ?

Wheza:One piece of advice I’d give to a kid is to put in the work, a lot of people want the lifestyle but they don’t realize how hard it is to really play at a higher level whether it’s D1 or Usports, don’t ever cheat the grind.