Hometown talent Blake Nielsen signs for two seasons

Nielsen will join the program as a Development Player for NBL27, before earning elevation to the main roster ahead of NBL28, pending NBL approval.

The name Nielsen is a familiar one to the Perth Wildcats, with his Father, Matt being part of the club as an Assistant Coach from 2015-2019. Having grown up around the club while his Dad was coaching here, Blake has fond memories of the experience. 

“They won some championships and I was lucky enough to kind of be around practices.” 

“I was able to be around the guys, and they were really cool in including me.”

The 200cm Point Forward started his basketball journey in Western Australia with the Willetton Tigers and East Perth Eagles, before heading to West Lake High School when his family moved to the US after his father accepted an opportunity to coach for the Austin Spurs in the G League.

He remained in Austin after graduating high school, taking up an offer at NCAA Div II college, St Edward’s University, where he played collegiately for five seasons before graduating this past May.

Having gained significant experience since he last played in front of a Perth crowd, Nielsen returns to his hometown a player who has grown in all aspects of his game.

“I was a lot smaller, I grew very late, so definitely a lot taller than I used to be.”

“Can do a little bit of everything, involve my teammates and play make for them.”

“But (my) senior year (I) was more aggressive and looking to score as well.”

Nielsen is excited to be starting his professional basketball career at a place that is familiar and comfortable to him.

“It makes you feel a little bit more comfortable when you know the people a little bit better, and you just know that it has always been such a strong organisation and strong club.”

“Just excited to be a professional basketball player, learn as much as I can.”

“It's just about developing and absorbing as much information as I can, so I can be progressing as a basketball player. Whatever that involves.”

Having witnessed championship teams up close and experienced the atmosphere at RAC Arena as a spectator, the chance to now represent the club as a player is one that means a great deal to him.

“Perth has such an amazing fan base there, a great arena, which I was kind of lucky enough to be around the fans.”

“I think (it) would be really cool to experience as a player now”

“It’s also a very historically successful club, so you’re also playing for the people that were there before you.”

“I got to be around those people when they were winning lots of championships, and so it will mean a lot to put on that jersey.”

Head Coach John Rillie is looking forward to what his energy will contribute to the group.

“With an infectious energy with the way he attacks and plays the game, he will bring a great spirit to this group everyday.”

“After a successful college career Blake has positioned himself well to jump into the pros.”

“His high basketball IQ will be noticeable to his teammates from day one.”

COO and GM of Basketball Danny Mills is very excited about being able to attract another young WA talent back to Perth. 

"Blake is mature beyond his years, both on and off the court. He's grown up around this game at the highest level, and watching him return home each off-season, it was clear he had everything it takes to develop into a professional positional size, skill, and the basketball IQ."

"Blake had no shortage of NBL suitors, so his decision to choose the Wildcats speaks volumes about the player development environment our coaches and high performance staff have built. It's exactly the kind of statement that affirms our vision of being the destination club for the best talent Australia and more specifically Western Australia has to offer."