Wildcats add size and youth in Oliver Hayes-Brown

The Perth Wildcats have signed young big man Oliver Hayes-Brown as a development player for the next two seasons.
 
With a strongly built 208cm-114kg frame, Hayes-Brown is a high-level rebounder with the ability to score on the interior as well as from long range.
 
Defensively, his size and strength also allows him to match the physicality of opposing big men.
 
The 21-year-old has been a member of Australian junior squads and a repeat representative for Victoria at numerous successful National Junior Championships.

He’s excited to begin his professional basketball journey with the Perth Wildcats.

“Perth are obviously the most successful team in the League, and to join that winning culture is a privilege. I can’t wait to slot in and learn from the older guys,” he said.

“The Wildcats have two great five-men in Matt Hodgson and Majok Majok, so I’ll be looking to learn as much as I can from those guys, as well as Jesse Wagstaff, to help me transition into become a professional player.

“In college, my coach wanted to be a monster on the glass, so that’s what I’ve worked on, but offensively I do like to run the floor and stretch the floor when I can as well.”

Hayes-Brown had an impressive 2021 NBL1 South campaign, leading the competition with 13.3 rebounds per game while playing for the Dandenong Rangers

He also added 19.6 points per game at over 50 per cent from the field.

“It’s going to be a big year for Ollie’s development, going up against and learning from experienced pros while being ready to step in when we need another player in those big positions,” said associate head coach Mike Kelly.

“It’s a great opportunity for him to continue improving around very good players at a very high level. He’s been developing well over the last few years and is on a good upward trajectory. He’ll have every chance to continue that here.”

After being a part of the Mornington and Frankston junior programs, Hayes-Brown travelled to the United States and played college basketball at the University of California Riverside.

He returned to Australia prior to the 2021 NBL1 season.

“Ollie has a pathway to becoming a rostered player over the next couple of years, but he also fills a position of need for us in that big position,” said Perth Wildcats GM of basketball operations Danny Mills.

“As his body matures and he continues to improve his skillset, there’s definitely a chance for Ollie to get real rotational minutes, provided he continues to put the work in and buy in to the culture.”

Oliver Hayes-Brown joins Corey Shervill and Kyle Zunic as contracted Perth Wildcats development players for the 2021/22 season.