September 27, 2023
Santa Monica, Calif. – Santa Monica College Men's Basketball 6-0 Sophomore PG Tyler Wiley has continued his academic and athletic career at Dillard University, located in New Orleans, LA. Wiley, a native of Inglewood, CA, played two seasons with the Corsairs and was the team captain his sophomore season. Dillard University, a Division II athletic participant, is ranked #14 among the 104 HBCUs in the 2023 U.S News and World Report rankings.
"First, I want to thank God for blessing me with another opportunity to do what I love. I want to thank my family for being there with me through the good and the bad and helping me mentally overcome obstacles and showing me unwavering love. Also, I want to personally thank my brother for all the countless hours we spent in the gym working out, crafting, and believing in me when I felt no one else did," shared Wiley.
In the 2022-2023 season, Wiley averaged 6.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 0.63 steals per game with Santa Monica College, and he shot a sizzling 95.2% from the free throw line. In the 2021-2022 season at SMC, Wiley averaged 2.4 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game.
"I chose Dillard because I felt it could help cultivate me to be better personally, academically, and athletically," said Wiley. "I will bring personability, leadership on and off the court, and a good work ethic to the program."
During his time playing for the Corsairs, Wiley registered career-highs of 16 points, six rebounds (four times), six assists (twice), three steals, and three three-point fields goals made (three times).
"Tyler was one of the hardest workers that I have coached at SMC," shared Head Coach Joshua Thomas. "Tyler earned my respect right away, and more importantly, he earned the respect of his teammates instantly through his daily approach in all facets of our basketball program. He comes from a wonderful family that are very proud of the young man that he is. He represented our basketball program with integrity during his time at SMC. I am very happy for Tyler, and I know the Dillard University coaching staff will love coaching him. Tyler is a class-act, and he is a person that makes others around him better with his positivity and inviting energy."
Wiley was named Western State-South Conference Honorable Mention in the 22-23 season at SMC. He registered seven conference games of 11 points or more during his stellar conference performance.
"My time at SMC was an experience. There were lots of ups and downs, but ultimately, I learned a lot about myself on and off the court. Through the tough times I faced, I came out with a lot of growth, and I am beyond blessed for the time I spent there and the opportunities that were given to me. I also want to thank the coaches for giving me a chance and allowing me to take full advantage of the chances that were given," said Wiley.
"Lastly, I want to share a scripture that I govern my life by," said Wiley.
And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: It is more blessed to give than to receive. - Acts 20:35