Jesse Wagstaff to become second Wildcat to play 400 games

On 30 March 2002, Ricky Grace became the first and only Wildcat to play 400 games for the club.

Almost 20 years later, Grace remains the sole member of the Perth Wildcats 400 Club, but on Saturday, he is set to be joined by one of the most decorated Wildcats of all-time – Jesse Wagstaff.

Wagstaff will reach the incredible milestone while captaining the club he’s spent his entire career representing.

“It’s pretty cool. He’s the only Wildcat to have played 400 games for the club, even though he’s very close to 500,” said Wagstaff.

“I’m proud of the fact that it’s 400 NBL games, but also 400 at the same club. I think that’s pretty special, especially in this day and age, and I’m pretty proud of that and I’m proud that me and my family have been able to call Perth home for the last 13 years.

“It’s been a privilege to be able to play for this club and to live in Perth, it’s such a great city, it’s been a great ride so far.”

Wagstaff’s NBL career began in 2009 when he signed with the Perth Wildcats as a rookie.

In his first year, he won his first NBL championship and was named NBL Rookie of the Year.

Since then, he’s gone on to win another five rings and is one of only two players to win six titles with the one club.

He’s played in nine Grand Finals, which is an NBL record.

“I think the great thing about this club is the people. On and off the court there’s some really high-quality people in this organisation that are still there and have come before me, and will come after me. 

“I’ve been lucky enough to play with some phenomenal players, and still am playing alongside some phenomenal players. If I can stick around and try and do something positive I try to do it.”

The 35-year-old has scored 3,405 points putting him seventh overall in Wildcats history, while he sits behind only Grace and Bryce Cotton for total made three-pointers with 432.

His career high of 26 points remarkably came in his 200th game, where he drained six threes in the final quarter to defeat the Sydney Kings in 2015.

56 of Wagstaff’s 400 games have been NBL Finals games, having played in the post-season in every year of his career.

Despite all his success, he said the relationships he’s formed is what has made his career to date so special.

“The championships and the relationships you build are what it’s all about,” he said.

“I’m lucky to have had that. The guys that are here now and the guys that have retired. Guys like Damo (Martin) and Greg (Hire). We kind of grew up together essentially and got married at the same time, had kids at the same time. My eldest is in school with their eldest’s.

“Those are the things that are special and those are the things you remember.”

Jesse Wagstaff’s 400th game is scheduled take place on Saturday when the Wildcats take on Melbourne United at John Cain Arena.

Tip-off on ESPN is at 5pm WA time.

Congratulations, Jesse Wagstaff!