'Huge privilege': Humble Wagstaff reflects ahead of milestone

Wagstaff will equal legend Ricky Grace's 482 Wildcats games against Illawarra at RAC Arena on Friday night before becoming the sole games-record holder against South-East Melbourne Phoenix at John Cain Arena on Sunday.

But the six-time NBL champion remained his humble self when asked about his upcoming milestone.

"It's a huge privilege," Wagstaff said.

"To be honest, I've genuinely not given it much thought before this week, it kind of crept up.

"Obviously this club means so much to myself and my family, so it's a huge honour."

Wagstaff spoke glowingly about the long-lasting impact Grace has had on the Wildcats.

“We go to clinics these days and you’ll hear the teacher say ‘I remember when Ricky came out to my school and did a clinic’ or ‘we used to go down to the Entertainment Centre and watch (Andrew) Vlahov.’ From day one you are surrounded by the history of this club," Wagstaff said.

“Obviously, with Ricky playing so many games and being a legend of not only this club but Australian basketball as well - you are surrounded by that history, and you can’t help but respect it and acknowledge the success that those before us have had."

As for what he wants to be remembered as when it's finally time to hang up the boots after 16-plus years in the NBL, Wagstaff was as modest as ever.

"You know, to be honest, I'm not really that athletic," Wagstaff said.

"I just kind of try hard and try to, you know, study the game and, and try to help the team win and hopefully it's something as simple as that.

"Hopefully that when I time to hang up the boots, I've kind of got the most out of my career and most out of my body and, and, and given them all to the club.

"I guess that's all you can ask for."