Jacob Wiley's journey through professional basketball, including his time with the Adelaide 36ers, has been a path marked by significant personal growth and overcoming challenges. Before establishing himself as a notable player internationally and a fan favourite in Adelaide, Wiley navigated periods of profound loss and uncertainty that nearly derailed his basketball ambitions.

Speaking recently on the NBL: Alumni podcast, Wiley, who currently plays in Puerto Rico's BSN league for Santeros de Aguada, recounted the experiences that have shaped both his career and personal life. Now 31, Wiley had two separate stints with the Adelaide 36ers during the 2018-19 and 2023-24 NBL seasons, but his path to a professional basketball future was far from guaranteed at one point.

Stepping Away to Discover Life

Following a tough freshman year with the Montana Grizzlies, which included a record-breaking loss in the NCAA Tournament, Wiley chose to step away from basketball entirely. He opted to pursue other athletic interests, including track and field and American football, sports that held a familial connection.

"I played in the NCAA tournament as a freshman against Syracuse. We lost. It was the biggest deficit loss in NCAA tournament history. It’s a true story," Wiley stated. "I was our leading scorer on the team with five points and I quit basketball the next day so I could run track and play football because I said this, ‘this is not for me’. This is not worth it."

During this period away from the hardwood, Wiley experienced life outside the structured world of sports. He took out loans, worked as a dishwasher, and took on odd jobs to support himself, all while training in track and playing football. He described this time as "living real life" and gaining the freedom to explore his interests.

A Father's Profound Influence

A pivotal moment in Wiley's resurgence in basketball came from a handwritten letter penned by his late father. His father, who battled alcoholism and passed away a few years prior to Wiley's decision to step away from basketball, had written a note predicting his son would become a "20 and 10 guy".

This message from his father became a significant source of motivation. Years later, after transferring to Eastern Washington, Wiley achieved this prediction, averaging 20.4 points and 9.1 rebounds during the 2016-17 season. This performance earned him Big Sky Conference Player of the Year honours and brought him onto the NBA radar.

"He told me ‘you’re gonna be a 20 and 10 guy’. I actually just sent this to my mum the other day. It’s the last thing he ever wrote to me," Wiley shared. "I think that’s very important because he planted that seed in my mind that was somebody I could be. And I wanted to almost fulfil that prophecy for him. And I think it was subconscious in a way. I would say that’s where it started."

Wiley granted permission for the letter to be published, highlighting its enduring significance to his life and career. The letter, filled with his father's struggles, apologies, and unwavering support, also expressed hope for his son's athletic future and a desire for reconciliation.

Return to the NBL and Future Aspirations

Wiley's connection to Australia predates his NBL stints, as Eastern Washington toured the country in August 2016, playing against NBL teams. His performance against the Sydney Kings during this tour, where he scored over 20 points, caught the attention of those in Australian basketball.

After his impressive college season, Wiley eventually made his way to the NBL, playing for the Adelaide 36ers. His most recent stint concluded in the 2023-24 season. Reflecting on his career, Wiley expressed a desire to return to the NBL, stating his interest in a comeback to the league he once considered a second home.