Wildcats to grow legacy of Number 4

In its four decades of history, a host of Perth Wildcats jersey numbers have become famous through the players that wore them. 

Six have been retired – five from multiple championship-winning legends and pioneers, and one worn by a player whose life was tragically cut short.

Another number to develop a legacy is the famous number four uniform. 

It has become synonymous at the Wildcats with West Australians who forged long, successful careers at their hometown team.

Eric Watterson wore it for 306 games from 1984 to 1994, winning two iconic championships along the way – helping bring the NBL trophy West for the first time.

Most recently it was worn by Greg Hire, who wore it for 243 games from 2011, adding another four titles to the number’s storied history.

Hire retired after the 2019 championship-winning campaign, and the number has remained dormant since.

To grow the tradition of the jersey, the Perth Wildcats have made the decision to present the famous number to West Australian raised players who embody the values exemplified by Hire and Watterson. 

“We really wanted to recognise the contributions of Eric Watterson and most-recently Greg Hire to our club. They sacrificed for their teams through their work-rate, dedication and passion for the club. What they brought to the table are trademarks of what we embody here at the Wildcats,” said Wildcats coach Trevor Gleeson.

“Now, we’ll make the number four uniform available to West Australian kids that have been a fan of the Wildcats growing up and have worked hard to get the opportunity to pull on a Wildcats jersey and be a part of this team’s history.

“So, I’m pleased to announce that our West Australian young gun Luke Travers has accepted the number four for this season. There’s no more fitting honour than to follow in the footsteps of an Eric Watterson or a Greg Hire.” 

Luke Travers played four games in the number 10 jersey as a development player in the championship-winning 2019/20 NBL season, but will switch to the number four jersey for his first full season with the club.

He said it’s an honour.

“Number four is going to become a thing for WA kids to look up to,” said Travers.

 “It’s going to motivate them to want to wear number four for the Wildcats. I was lucky to play with Greg at SBL level and he’s been an unbelievable mentor for me.”

At the conclusion of the 2020/21 season, Travers will have the choice to return to his former number 10 or remain in the number four.