Wildcats add star Aussie Will Magnay

The Perth Wildcats have signed star Australian centre Will Magnay for the remainder of the 2020/21 NBL Season.

It’s a major coup for the Wildcats, with the 208cm big man only recently becoming available following a stint with the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA.

The 22-year-old is excited to have put pen to paper with the reigning NBL Champions

“To come back and play for a team like Perth, with all its history and its success, and play under a coach like Trevor, it’s a great opportunity,” said Magnay.

“I want to win, there’s a culture there of winning. Stats or awards don’t mean anything if you don’t get that championship at the end. I think this would be a special moment to win one and that’s what I’m here for, to help the boys win.

“My game style is to play hard and play the right way. I’ll do what it takes to win and be a good teammate. That’s what you can expect from me.

“The opportunity to play basketball again, at such a historic team like Perth, is exciting. I’m just dying to get back on the court.”

While playing for the Brisbane Bullets in the 2019/20 NBL season, Magnay was named the NBL’s Most Improved Player and was also runner-up NBL Best Defensive Player,

He led the competition in blocked shots at 2.1 per game, while adding 8.1 points and 6.0 rebounds.

It was his third season at the Bullets, after signing as a development player in 2017.

As a result of the breakout season, Magnay received attention from NBA scouts and in December signed a two-way contract with the New Orleans Pelicans, debuting against the Los Angeles Lakers in March.

While playing with the Pelicans affiliated NBA G League team, the Erie BayHawks, he averaged 9.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks.

Wildcats coach Trevor Gleeson said Magnay’s signing will allow his team to improve as it approaches another post-season.

“Will can play above the rim at both ends of the court and that’s something that will help out our defence and improve our heat on the rim on offence. He can run the floor, he’s athletic and he can finish over traffic. These are attributes that can help our team,” he said.

“When Will became available and made it clear he wanted to join the Perth Wildcats, we knew it would be a great fit for our roster, so it was a no-brainer to make it happen, given the fortunate timing.

“I’m very excited to see the new dynamic he can bring to this squad. He’s a high calibre player with a bright future ahead of him.”

Will Magnay is currently under hotel quarantine in Sydney, and will travel to Perth ahead of Sunday’s game against the NZ Breakers, where he will suit up for the first time as a Wildcat.

The Australian Boomers Olympic Squad member joins the Perth Wildcats as a Nominated Replacement Player which, including development players, takes the squad to 15 active players.

Magnay will wear the number 23.

Tickets available here.