Toughest player I've ever coached: Zunic's College Coach

Perth Wildcats recruit Kyle Zunic’s college coach has heaped praise on the young guard, describing him as the toughest player he’s ever coached.

2021 Big South Coach of the Year Pat Kelsey coached Zunic for four years at Winthrop University.

Kelsey previously held assistant coach positions at Xavier and Wake Forest, and is now the head coach at the College of Charleston.

“In my over two decades coaching at the NCAA Division One level I have coached many players that have gone on to sign professional contracts. That includes 14 NBA players. I can honestly say that I have never coached a player with Kyle Zunic’s toughness and overall will to win. And I’m pretty sure I never will again,” said Kelsey.

“Kyle is a winner in every sense. In my humble opinion the Perth Wildcats have signed player that will help them win championships. Statistics only explain part of his value. It is a million little things that don’t show up on a stat sheet that makes Kyle special.”

The Perth Wildcats announced the signing of Kyle Zunick on a two-year development player contract on Monday.

Australian coach Michael Cassidy – now an assistant coach at the College of Charleston – coached the 22-year-old at the national and international junior level - echoed Coach Kelsey’s sentiment.

“It has been a great privilege to watch and coach Kyle on his journey from his junior NSW state teams and then on to the Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence at the Australian Institute of sport,” said Cassidy.

“Kyle is an unbelievable team mate and competitor. He is a hard worker that is committed to his craft and has a growth mindset of getting better every day. He is a great person to be around on a daily basis and cares more about the others around him than he does himself.

“I am so pleased and excited that he will have the opportunity to play professional basketball. To be able to do it for the most successful NBL club in history is a great achievement that will hold him in good stead for the future.”

The Perth Wildcats now have two signed development players, as well as eight of 11 fully contracted players for the 2021/22 NBL season.