Phillip Wheeler and George Conditt IV go for the NBA dream with Minnesota: “I have a friend on the journey”

George Conditt IV y Phillip Wheeler they are sharing for the first time the shirt of the adult National Team in the third qualifying window for the FIBA ​​World Cup at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum.

And in the next few days they will share another one: that of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA Summer League.

The tournament will be played from July 7 to 17. Minnesota opens its participation on July 8 against the Denver Nuggets.

Both Puerto Rican basket players are motivated to compete for a position in the organization that seeks to have an impact in the coming season after the trade to acquire star center Rudy Gobert from the Utah Jazz.

Wheeler signed an “Exhibit 10” contract that also grants him a presence in the team’s affiliate in the G-League, while Conditt IV was invited.

“Having Wheeler helps me become familiar,” Conditt IV told El Nuevo Día about the opportunity to see the forward again in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“I know a lot of people who will be there, so it allows me to be more comfortable. We talked about the opportunity and we are happy”, added the member of the Carolina Giants in the National Superior Basketball (BSN).

Each one’s route towards fulfilling the dream of playing in the NBA has been different. Conditt IV took the traditional route of playing in NCAA Division 1 with Iowa State University.

Wheeler, for his part, skipped the collegiate process and signed first in Italy and then in the National Superior Basketball (BSN) with the San Germán Athletics. After seeing action in Argentina, he played in the G-League with the Capitanes de México last season, before recording a season worthy of MVP in the BSN this year with the Piratas de Quebradillas, at the age of 20.

Now, both will arrive together at the same destination.

“Is incredible. I met George during tryouts for the National Team and so he is my friend. Now that he’s going to Minnesota with me, maybe we’ll be on the same plane. It’s better because I will have someone I know with me training. It’s fun. I have a friend on the trail,” Wheeler said.