Wildcats sign Marley Sam as NBL dream becomes reality

The Western Australian product earns his first professional contract after progressing through the Rio Tinto Perth Wildcats Academy, Binar Futures, and starring for the Eastern Suns in NBL1 West.

At just 17, Sam has emerged as one of NBL1 West’s elite starting guards this season, averaging 21.5 points, 5.7 assists, 5.0 rebounds and 3.2 steals per game.

Sam’s standout season continued last week, when he erupted for 60 points for Kiara College in the SSWA Grand Final against Willetton.

The signing marks a major step in Sam’s trajectory. After missing selection for the Academy on his first attempt, he returned to earn his place in the program, later becoming one of its leaders and winning Rio Tinto Competitor of the Year honours at the Wildcats’ NBL26 season launch.

Perth Wildcats Assistant Coach and Rio Tinto Perth Wildcats Academy Director Keegan Crawford said Sam’s signing was a proud moment for everyone involved in his development.

“I’m incredibly proud of Marley and what he’s gone through on his journey to signing his first professional contract,” Crawford said.

“He has a first-class work ethic and an infectious attitude to compete.

“He has been grinding through our Academy pathway for multiple years, and his growth as a player has been demonstrated through multiple elite performances at Academy level, junior nationals and in NBL1.

“He continues to break through the limits put upon him and does so with his trademark energy and spirit.

“Marley wasn’t selected for the Academy the first time he trialled, but he continued to work and get better every time he stepped on the floor until he made it.

“From unselected to now a professional basketball player, Marley’s rise is truly inspirational.”

Sam has made no secret of his ambition to play in the NBL, having declared in May that while college options were available, his focus was firmly on joining the professional ranks right here at home in Australia. 

“I want to be an NBL player,” Sam said at the time.

“College is an option, but I’ve got my head turned to the NBL.”

Just months later, Sam is making that goal a reality sooner than even he expected, putting pen to paper with the Perth Wildcats, his hometown team. 

“It’s amazing, it’s a dream come true,” Sam said.

“A lot of mixed feelings right now, I’m still in the moment, but it’s pretty cool.

“My parents are very proud of me for what I’ve achieved at such a young age.

“They’re always telling me to keep going and I’ve just listened, so they’re very proud of me.”

Perth Wildcats COO and General Manager of Basketball Operations Danny Mills said Sam’s signing was an exciting moment for the club and its Academy program.

“We’re very excited to announce Marley’s signing as another graduate from our Rio Tinto Perth Wildcats Academy into our professional program,” Mills said.

“This further solidifies the outstanding work our Academy staff are doing to identify talent and develop the best young players in Western Australia.

“Marley’s speed, quickness and ultra-competitiveness are special traits that give him a great foundation to continue his development journey as an NBL player.”

Sam said the Red Army can expect to see a player who brings energy and a willingness to do whatever is needed to help the team win.

“I’m just going to bring defence, picking up full court, being a dog and getting good shots for the team to make sure we make winning plays,” Sam said.

While Sam’s scoring and creativity with the ball have earned plenty of attention, his defensive competitiveness has been just as important to his rise.

Sam will join the Wildcats’ NBL27 squad as the club continues preparations for the upcoming Hungry Jack’s NBL season.

*Contract subject to NBL approval