From the Perth Redbacks, to the Perth Wildcats Academy.

He was invited to join the Academy from the Perth Redbacks, where he has played since he was nine years old. 

“I started playing domestic when I was nine, then I moved to my first season of WABL in under twelves, and I played for the Redbacks because my dad played here in SBL and I didn't want to play anywhere else.”

“I’ve always had good opportunities here to help me grow as a player and improve my game.”

Jaden praises the club for their unwavering support and belief in him, allowing him to display his full potential on and off the court.

“It was really important. Everyone at the club always supported me. They always gave me a ton of opportunities, and I'm grateful for that. I hope that I repaid it by making the most of them.”

Along his basketball journey at the Perth Redbacks, Jaden has been influenced by many people within the club which helped him develop as a person & player.

“My first coach in under twelves, Brad Dowd, taught me a lot, he set me up & gave me a stable foundation.”

“My sixteens coach, Mitch Jesson, took time out of his day to give me detailed feedback, help me improve a lot and also gave me a lot of confidence.

“A mentor, Ron Flores, he's always believed in me. Always pushed me to do stuff that I wasn't good at, which made me a better player.”

Perth Redbacks CEO Ryan Lenegan said Jaden has all the tools to make it all the way.

“He undoubtedly has the talent to get to the next level. He's a long player, very athletic, with a fantastic shot and great defensive skills, but ultimately it's his drive, his passion and the support structures around him that will enable him to get to that next level.”

Lenegan first met Jaden when he was 13/14 years old, noticing the talent & strong family support that he had around him.

“Even at that stage, he was starting to nearly look me in the eye. Now he's well and truly past me in terms of height.”

“What we're most proud of as an association, and I'm particularly proud of as a CEO, is that through this time, he has developed into a young man with strong morals and strong values.”

Lenegan noted the importance of professional pathways like the Wildcats Academy & the value of having multiple basketball avenues for junior athletes in WA.

“Pathways like the Wildcats Academy are really integral for our athletes. When you look at our structure, which is that in any given year, we're going to have 48 male athletes, 48 female athletes graduating from the highest levels of WABL, but perhaps only with a couple of NBL1 spots open.”

“The Wildcats Academy provides this alternative avenue… We're really proud of our athletes like Jaden, who are making that step into the Wildcats academy and we believe that this step will pay off for him in the future.”

Lenegan said it is a priority of the Redbacks to be a family club, and this is one of the things that sets Jaden apart. 

“From his mom, Kelly, and from, his sister Mia, who, you know, ubiquitous in terms of their presence, at his games, we feel like as a family club, the Perth red backs have also supported this journey by ensuring that our community feels like family to him as well.”

Jaden’s journey is just beginning. With the unwavering support of his family, club & community, alongside his talent & skill, Jaden’s future is bright.

The Perth Redbacks take on the Rockingham Flames tonight at Belmont Oasis Leisure Centre tipping off at 5PM, head along if you're in the area.