In Gillette, Wyoming, sports are a sacred tradition. The town has a knack for producing some of the greatest athletes and high school teams ever to inhabit the state.
Cody Kelley is cut from the same cloth. With great basketball talent and a toughness only Wyoming can produce, Cody has ventured from the North-East corner of the state to the hardwood of Laramie, Wyoming.
“For me it’s been an honor to play for my home state,” Kelley said. “A lot of people in the stands are people I played against growing up, my friends and family are up there, and so for me to know I have those supporters is a real blessing.”
As a redshirt freshman, Kelley has seen the court often for the 16-11 Cowboys this season, coming off the bench and providing physical, smart guard play. He is currently posting a 2:1 assist to turnover ratio, numbers that college coaches look for in a point guard.
“I feel like I’ve grown into a true college point guard; Facilitating off of ball screens, handling the ball under pressure and making the right play when we need it,” Kelley said.
Although Kelley is from the brown and gold state, the University of Wyoming was not his first stop after high school. Initially, he attended a prep school in Delray, Florida for a year that allowed him to focus on refining his skills.
“Since I didn’t need to worry about studies because I had already graduated, I was able to take a year and focus primarily on basketball,” Kelley said. “I had some great trainers down there that helped me with my game individually. We played about 40 games that season up and down the East Coast. It gave me a whole season to get better and try to get recruited again.”
Kelley’s older sister, Jordan, was playing basketball for the Cowgirls at that time, and with being so far away from home, a piece of Cody wasn’t as content where he was.
“Being on the East Coast made me realize that I wasn’t as happy there,” Kelley said. “I am a Wyoming kid born and raised, and that’s why I decided to come back.”
And that he did. After redshirting last season, Kelley has found his way on the hardwood for the Cowboys, and is making an impact on both ends of the floor.
Cody definitely sees a role for himself with the Cowboys.
“I like to see myself as someone who comes of the bench and brings some energy on the defensive and offensive end. I can guard other guards and help get defensive rebounds. I really like facilitating off of ball screens and getting open looks for my teammates,” Kelley said.
Kelley also elaborated on his journey at UW the past two seasons.
“I really feel I’ve grown as a player,” Kelley said. “Last year was really tough redshirting and not being able to play, so it’s been awesome getting on the floor and getting my feet wet with Division 1 tempo.”
Kelley is only getting started. With three playing years left after the 2016-2017 season, the possibilities are endless for the homegrown point guard.
“I’m fortunate to have three more years playing here after this season, so I have some time left,” Kelley said. “I definitely see myself being successful here at Wyoming. I think the new coaching staff is doing a really great job, I trust them and they trust me, so if we keep that trust I think we can be really successful together.”
Kelley represents everything that Wyoming stands for: toughness and hard work. The Wyoming kid is playing on his homes biggest stage, and he is handling it very well.
