BY BUDDY TABLER
Special to the Tribune
ST. JOHN — It doesn’t matter if it is with the Cleveland Cavaliers of the National Basketball Association or with a bunch of 5-year-olds in the high school gym in St. John, Kansas, Dean Wade is right at home.
Wade, who became a starter with the Cleveland Cavaliers this past winter before season-ending surgery for a torn meniscus in his right knee sidelined him, is no stranger to the gym in St. John.
He led the Tigers to three state championships and was selected as Mr. Kansas Basketball by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association.
Wade made an immediate impact at Kansas State and was named to the Big 12 All-Newcomer Team. He went on to become a two-time All-Big 12 player.
Wade was in St. John recently lending a helping hand to Danny Smith and Trish Wade’s summer Basketball Camp for St. John and area youngsters. Trish Wade is Dean’s mother, so she likely influenced that decision.
The summer camp in the St. John High School gymnasium started at 10 a.m. with kids in grades 1-4. The second hour is for grades 5-6 and the final hour is for grades 7 and 8.
There is a flurry of activity as Smith and Wade are teaching fundamentals and making the game fun for the area youth, knowing that, someday, they might have these same players playing for them at the high school level. It must work as St. John has a long-time tradition of success in basketball.
Wade said he appreciated some down time in his hometown.
“I’m here to spend a few days with family and I always like to lend a hand with kids in these camps,” he said. “They are fun to be around.”
After his sterling college career, he signed a 3-year contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers for $3.7 million. He earned $375,000 in 2019-2020; $1.5M in 2020-2021; $1.8M in 2021-2022; and is owed $1.9M in 2022-2023.
Wade averaged 5.3 points, 3 rebounds and 1 assist per game while compiling a 2-point plus advantage when he played 19 minutes per game. The Cavaliers (44-38) lost 115-108 to the Brooklyn Nets in an NBA play-in game. Wade enjoyed a career highlight earlier in the season when he defended Brooklyn's NBA All-Pro Kevin Durant.
Wade is hopeful of extending his contract with Cleveland.
“I really don’t know,” he said. “I am in the final option year of my contract, so it’s up to Cleveland. It will probably hinge on who they get in the draft.”
Cleveland has a first round pick in the 14th position and also holds two second round picks.
“I really like Cleveland and have good friends there so I would be happy to re-sign with the Cavaliers.” he said. “I really don’t like moving and making new friends, but, it is a business and I understand that.”
Wade has respect for former Kansas State coach Bruce Weber, who recognized his ability.
“I really like Coach Weber,” he said. “I also love Kansas State so I am going to support both of them. Coach and I talk and text a lot.”
Joining Wade this past week and helping with the young “future stars” was Kayla Goth, Dean’s fiance. Kayla is also a former star basketball player and All-Big 12 honoree at Kansas State.
Wade said his future plans include an important ceremony later this summer.
“Oh yes, I am getting married this summer,” he said. “Kayla and I will be married in August in Manhattan.”
Is it any wonder that St. John folks are mighty proud of Dean Wade?
As one person watching the practices at the summer camp said, “I just love Dean. Not because of how good he is at basketball, but because of how great a person he is. He’s humble and very giving. Just like coming here to help with these little kids. That’s special!”
