Wylee Delorme: From Spirit Lake to the D-I Stage

Native Athlete Spotlight: Wylee Delorme

Interview conducted by Daybreak Star Radio Sports Producer, Jermaine Jackson

At Daybreak Star Radio, we continue to indigenize the airwaves by highlighting Native athletes who are making an impact at the collegiate and national levels. In this episode of The Winner’s Edge, Sports Producer Jermaine Jackson sat down with Wylee Delorme, a rising Native American basketball player from North Dakota whose journey is rooted in culture, competition, and community.

A Devils Lake native and descendant of both the Spirit Lake Nation and Turtle Mountain Chippewa, Wylee has carried pride for his people onto every court he’s stepped on. After earning recognition as a Mr. Basketball nominee in high school and delivering a breakout freshman season at the University of Mary — including a career-high 32-point performance against MSU Moorhead — Wylee is now taking the next step by transferring to the University of North Dakota, where he will suit up for the Fighting Hawks in the 2025–2026 season.

A Competitive Spirit Born at Grandma’s House

Like many Native athletes, Wylee’s love for the game began close to home. He remembers playing basketball outside at his grandmother’s house with his cousins — where the competitive fire first sparked.

“I just loved the game,” he shared. “I loved watching it, I loved playing it.”

Though he played throughout elementary and middle school, it wasn’t until his sophomore year of high school — after a major growth spurt that took him from 5’10” to 6’3” — that basketball became serious. With his high school coach pushing him into the weight room daily, Wylee’s confidence and physical presence began to grow along with his frame. Soon after, he was dunking — a milestone that signaled his potential was catching up to his work ethic.

Built by Mentorship and Family

Wylee credits much of his development to two key figures: his father and his longtime coach, Dustin Burdina.

“My dad was the first one to put a ball in my hands,” Wylee said. “He pushed me as hard as he could from a young age.”

Coach Burdina, who later became the head coach at Devils Lake High School, saw Wylee’s potential early and helped guide him through AAU tournaments and high school competition. Together, they laid the foundation for a player who would eventually become one of North Dakota’s most promising prospects.

As the oldest of five siblings, Wylee also grew up understanding responsibility — a trait that shows up in his leadership style today.

The 32-Point Breakthrough

During his freshman year at the University of Mary, Wylee faced adversity. Coming off a decorated high school career that included a state championship, adjusting to limited playing time at the college level tested him mentally.

“It hit me that I wasn’t going to play right away,” he admitted. “That was tough.”

But instead of folding, Wylee stayed positive, leaned on his teammates and roommates, and waited for his opportunity. When it came, he delivered in a big way — scoring 32 points in a single game and tying a freshman scoring record.

“That game boosted my confidence 100%,” he said. “After that, everything felt easier.”

The performance solidified his identity as a sharpshooting guard with size (now 6’5”, 200 pounds) who can play both the two and three positions.

Faith, Culture, and Clearing Bad Spirits

Wylee is open about the role his Native heritage plays in his journey. Growing up on the reservation shaped his perspective and humility. He wants young Native athletes to know that success beyond the rez is possible.

“You can get out and do big things,” he said. “Just stay humble about where you came from.”

During difficult stretches last season, Wylee even turned to ceremony and spiritual grounding. After attending a sweat lodge to clear his mind and reset his spirit, he followed it up with that career-high 32-point performance.

“Keeping my spirits right is important,” he shared. “Staying connected to my brothers and family keeps me grounded.”

Transitioning to Division I at UND

Since competing for the University of North Dakota, Wylee is still excited for the challenges ahead — especially matchups against Power Five programs like Minnesota and Nebraska.

The biggest adjustment at the next level? Physicality.

“In high school, I was one of the tallest guys in the state. Now I’m playing against 6’8”, 6’10” guys,” he said. “Staying in the weight room is key.”

While shooting is his greatest strength, he also focused on improving defensively — navigating ball screens, positioning, and becoming a more complete two-way player.

Giving Back to the Community

Long-term, Wylee dreams of playing professionally — anywhere the game takes him. But his purpose extends beyond basketball.

“All the things I earn from this sport, I want to bring back to my community,” he said. “Help my tribe. Help my high school. Become a booster. Give back.”

His message to young Indigenous athletes is simple and direct:

“Stay active, stay in the gym, stay in school. Do the good things.”

Wylee Delorme’s journey is still unfolding, but one thing is clear — he’s not just playing for himself. He’s playing for Spirit Lake. For Turtle Mountain. For his family. And for the next generation watching from back home.

At Daybreak Star Radio, we’ll be following his journey every step of the way.