Nov. 6, 2017
Redshirt sophomore Yanni Wetzell begins his first season with the Commodores this fall after transferring from St. Mary’s (Texas) at the end of the 2016-17 season. Wetzell will practice with the team this season but will not participate in competition this year due to NCAA transfer rules. The Commodores’ first regular-season game coming on November 10 against Austin Peay at Memorial Gym.
Favorite NBA team: Oklahoma City
The one NBA player you wished was your teammate: LeBron James
Age I picked up a basketball: 17.
I picked my jersey number because: My favorite number is one, but one is taken.
When I was a kid I tried to be like: LeBron.
A few words that describe the way I play basketball: Skilled, aggressive, relentless.
What I need to improve on to be a better player: Improve athleticism, shooting.
The thing that impresses me most about Coach Drew: His one-on-one connection with every player. He cares.
Favorite part about playing at Memorial Gym: The different layout.
Favorite sport other than basketball: Surfing.
Favorite musical performer: J Cole.
Favorite movie: Chasing Mavericks.
Favorite midnight snack: Chocolate milk.
Favorite thing about myself: Being from New Zealand.
Worst habit: Being too hard on myself.
Dream Date: Mila Kunis.
The best tasting food I can make: Scones.
My bucket list includes: Traveling the world.
Favorite athlete to watch in another sport: Jon Jon Florence – surfing.
Talent I’d most like to have: Put my head at the rim.
Favorite thing to do away from basketball: Surfing, Fishing, Boating.
One thing my hometown is famous for: Ridiculous housing prices.
My best non-athletic talent: Fishing.
Favorite aspect of Nashville: Music.
Superstitions: None.
The person I’d love to trade places with for a day: Travis Scott.
What I would do if I won the lottery: Buy multiple lake houses and boats, help my family.
Ultimate vacation destination: Ibiza.
The person(s) I admire most: Father.
Career goal outside of basketball: Learn how to invest in the stock and housing market.
The best advice I’ve received (and list who gave it to you): “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” – Muhammad Ali.
The most famous person(s) I’ve met: Steven Adams.
Biggest influence in my life: Father.
Most important thing I’ve learned since coming to Vanderbilt: I got no time to mess around, always got to be working.
My advice to young people is: If you love something, keep working at it, don’t quit because you’re not the best.
I chose to attend Vanderbilt over these schools: Baylor, Texas, Georgia Tech, San Diego, Santa Clara, Purdue. Chose Vanderbilt because of the city, the people, the family-like environment, and the professionalism.
Other interesting facts about yourself (famous people you know, interesting hobbies, life-changing experiences): Just love being outdoors.
Have you had any relatives play college sports? No.
