Wildcats sign sharp-shooter Jack Purchase

The Perth Wildcats have added size and another perimeter threat to its 2021/22 roster, signing sharp-shooting Australian forward Jack Purchase to a two-year contract.

After playing college basketball at the University of Hawaii, Purchase has represented Melbourne United as a development player and the Adelaide 36ers as an injury replacement.

The 206cm forward is thrilled to put pen to paper with the Wildcats.

“I’m over the moon. To be able to join a club like Perth is an honour,” said Purchase.

“I’m looking forward to contributing to keeping the tradition of success going and helping the team out in any way I can.

“I’d describe myself as a pick-and-pop four-man, a stretch four-man who can knock down the three-ball, but I love making the right pass and getting the assist. That’s probably my favourite part of the game. 

In his senior year at the University of Hawaii in 2018/19, Purchase averaged 11.5 points per game at 46 per cent from the field, while grabbing 5.9 rebounds and dishing out 2.0 assists.

Perth Wildcats head coach Scott Morrison said he possesses a well-rounded game.

“The obvious thing that comes to mind is Jack's ability to knock down shots from behind the three-point line. However, that is just one part of his all-around game,” said Morrison.

“He is a good passer and someone I anticipate making great reads with the ball for us in addition to helping out on the glass and with our interior defence. 

“He is a cerebral player who will fit in well with our vets as well as possessing an excellent work ethic which will serve well for his continued development alongside some of our younger players.”

The 26-year-old played three games with Melbourne United in 2019/20 and nine games with Adelaide as an injury replacement player last season, where he was three-point threat despite limited opportunity.

Over winter, he represented both the North Adelaide Rockets and the Hobart Chargers in NBL1 competitions.  

In a total of nine games he averaged 17.8 points, connecting on over 40 per cent from long range, while adding 9.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.0 blocks per game.

 “At six-nine, Jack is a guy who can really shoot, whether it’s stationary spot-ups or on the move, he has a really quick release,” said Perth Wildcats GM of basketball operations, Danny Mills. 

“That’s something you can incorporate into any offense, and we’re going to play a lot more of an up-tempo, positionless style of basketball this season.

 “A guy like him, at his size, who can shoot, dribble and pass, play smart basketball and use his IQ is someone who is going to be able to contribute and fight for minutes. We’re really excited about what he can bring to our roster.” 

Jack Purchase is from Melbourne. He’s the son of NBL veteran Nigel Purchase who played in the league from 1984 to 1993.

The Perth Wildcats now have two roster positions remaining, including an import spot.