Beveridge: 'SBL key to continued Wildcats success"
Beveridge said the SBL is already one of the better second-tier leagues in Australia but the Wildcats are keen to enhance it further to help the NBL club and the standard of basketball in WA.
“One of the biggest things we’re trying to do is to increase the standard of the SBL. The underpinning program has to be in great shape for us to continue to be successful,” he said.
“We’re trying to get as many SBL coaches involved in what we’re doing which will improve the league and improve us, and also mean in the long run we should be able to recruit more WA players.
“I didn’t know what to expect when I came over but I’ve been very surprised at how good the SBL is.”
Beveridge said he wanted to develop relationships with SBL clubs and allow Wildcats players to improve their games by having them play in the local competition.
Wildcats stars Stephen Weigh, Jesse Wagstaff and Damian Martin and new signings Cam Tovey and Matt Knight have played SBL this season.
“We have players challenged to play in different positions and become leaders when they play in the SBL, which obviously helps us,” he said.
“There’s been a fair bit of inconsistency with how they’ve performed. We’ve been going very heavy in the gym which has affected their performances from week to week.”
Beveridge said the Wildcats will sign two or three development players from the SBL for next season.
He said he will hold tryouts for those spots after the SBL season finishes, involving up to 20 standout players nominated by the clubs.
Several players, including Wanneroo’s Greg Hire and Reece Maxwell and East Perth’s Jarrod Balcombe, are already training with the Wildcats and Beveridge is pleased with how they’re going.
“All of these guys have come in an embraced our work-ethic,” he said.
“We’re looking for competitors and guys who are committed to getting better and are mentally ready to for the challenges of being an NBL player.”
Article by Jacob Kagi
Photo from Perth Wildcats
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