Triples aren't everything for Travers

Luke Travers three-point shooting has been a talking point throughout the 2021/22 season so far, with NBL commentators referring to it as a key barrier to his being drafted by an NBA team.

However, the highly touted Wildcats rookie is confident he has the athletic tools to make it to the world’s biggest basketball stage regardless of his rate from outside the arc.

“It’s definitely in the back of your mind, but I’ve got interest from not shooting the ball, and that’s how I put myself on the radar, by getting offensive rebounds and other things like that,” he said.

“I think if a team wanted me, it would be for those things, not to get up as many threes I can. But it definitely helps, for sure.”

After Travers had a cold spell from three-point land to start the regular season, the 20-year-old has made six of his last 11 attempts and credits his coaching staff and teammates for helping him with overcoming a mental hurdle.

“It was always a confidence thing, it’s about shooting the ball to actually make it, not just shooting the ball because you’re open. A big focus for me after that Sydney game was to always have my feet ready, so it was a big focus during the week after that game,” he said.

“I’m feeling really good at the moment. It’s been a big focus and I’ve been working with Luke Brennan, assistant coach, just being focused on feeling good, getting extra reps, making sure everything feels right and it translates into the game.

“It’s also been a focus to be the last one off the court after training, and Kev White has been huge with that.”

Luke Travers is averaging 7.9 points per game at 41.9 per cent from the field, as well as 6.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.0 blocks.

He’s currently ranked in the top 100 NBA Draft prospects in the world.