Jesse Wagstaff returns for 14th season

The Perth Wildcats are pleased to announce it has re-signed captain Jesse Wagstaff to a new one-year contract.

It will be the veteran’s 14th season as a Wildcat, which is the second-longest tenure in the club’s history - behind legend Ricky Grace.

The 36-year-old is excited to lace them up again in 2022/23.

“Physically, I still feel good, so while I can, and while I still enjoy it, it’s kind of a no-brainer to go again,” said Wagstaff.

“Any season where you don’t win is disappointing, however, the goal is always to win a championship and that doesn’t change no matter what happened the year before.

“I like how this year’s roster is shaping up, a great mix of experience and youth, but like last year, the roster is only half the battle and I’m looking forward to putting it together on the floor.”

With 416 NBL games to his name, Jesse Wagstaff already boasts one of the most successful careers in NBL history.

He’s won six NBL championship and played in a record nine Grand Finals.

Perth Wildcats coach Scott Morrison said he and his staff could not be more excited to have Wagstaff back on the roster for the coming season.

“On the court, his size and shooting ability make it easy to fit him in with any line up. He’s a threat as a floor spacer, or as a screener with a high basketball IQ,” he said.

“In the locker room he is one of the leaders of the club, bringing a wealth of championship experience that will be very valuable as we look to make another run this season.”
 
In 2021/22, Jesse Wagstaff played in all 28 games for an average of 6.2 points and 2.6 rebounds per game.

It was his second year as captain, where he led the team through the challenges of another COVID-affected season.

In the Wildcats 40-year history, Wagstaff is ranked third all-time in three-pointers made, as well as top-10 in total scoring and rebounding.

He joins Mitch Norton, Bryce Cotton, Todd Blanchfield, Luke Travers, Majok Majok, Kyle Zunic, Corey Shervill and Ollie Hayes-Brown on the 2022/23 Perth Wildcats roster.