Versatile forward joins Wildcats in latest free-agency addition

The versatile 206cm talent joins former Adelaide 36ers teammate Sunday Dech at the Wildcats after the two-time NBL champion’s signing was announced earlier in the week.

Mayen will add plenty of experience to the Wildcats’ roster with 73 NBL appearances across three seasons, starting his career at Cairns Taipans before one year with the 36ers.

The 26-year-old averaged 5.4 points and 3.7 rebounds during NBL25 including a career-high 23 points against Sydney Kings at the inaugural HoopsFest in Perth in September.

Mayen’s two-year contract includes a team option for the second year.

Mayen, who’s got strong family ties in Perth, said he was excited to play for Wildcats Head Coach John Rillie and in front of the Red Army at RAC Arena.

“I’m super excited to be joining the Perth Wildcats,” Mayen said.

“With four of my oldest brothers living in Perth, it’s going to make it a smooth transition.

“I’m very excited to play for ‘JR’ and in front of the Red Army instead of up against them.

“Perth will bring new challenges that I’m ready to take on.”

Mayen said it was awesome to be re-uniting with Dech, who he described as one of the best teammates he’s ever had.

“It’s awesome that Sunday and I are back together, he’s one of the best teammates I’ve had, but I’m ready to learn from everybody at the Wildcats,” he said.

Wildcats General Manager of Basketball Operations highlighted Mayen’s versatility and ability to impact at both ends of the floor.

“Lat is a gifted athlete who has great positional size which continues to add to the versatility we are building our NBL26 roster with,” Mills said.

“Over his three seasons in the NBL he has shown flashes of the two-way impact he can have on the court which is something that really excites us.

“We’re confident that in our player-development focused environment here he will take the next step in his game and be a consistent contributor.”

Wildcats Head Coach John Rillie was looking forward to having Mayen on his roster this season.

“We see Lat playing an important role for the Wildcats in NBL26,” Rillie said.

“He’s a really tough competitor, can defend multiple positions and has also proven to be an effective three-point shooter.”

Mayen and Dech join Development Player Cameron Huefner as new signings for the Wildcats for NBL26.

It comes after the re-signings of star imports Kristian Doolittle and Dylan Windler on multi-year deals, while evergreen veteran Wagstaff is also locked in for a 17th NBL season.

Prolific guard Elijah Pepper and DP Tom Gerovich are also back for another year.