Family Feeling Lures In New Wildcat

The Perth Wildcats have announced New Zealand international and former Adelaide 36er Hyrum Harris has joined the club on a two-year deal.

Harris, who is representing the Hawke’s Bay Hawks in the NZNBL during the NBL off-season, links up with the Wildcats following two seasons at the 36ers. In that time he's averaged 3.3 points and 2.3 rebounds, across 66 total appearances in the competition.

He says the opportunity to be closer to family was a decisive factor in deciding to move to Perth.

“I have a lot of family in Perth, and I only ever really got to see them when I was playing against the Wildcats, so I’ll get to see them a lot,” he said.

“The Wildcats are such a successful organisation and to be joining them feels amazing.

“It would have been the wrong move to turn down this opportunity with such a successful organisation who has won multiple championships, who wouldn’t want to join them?”

Harris’ recruitment to the club follows the trend of the Wildcats recruiting players with a personal connection to the state of Western Australia, following the signings of David Okwera and Keanu Pinder.

“Hyrum is a player who we’ve targeted for a few years now to try and bring into our program here at Perth,” Perth General Manager of Basketball Operations Danny Mills said.

“He complements the athletic front court we are putting together and fits our style of play, and provides us with another young, talented prospect that we feel still has a lot of upside to develop his game and take it to the next level.

“He has a unique combination of skill and versatility to go along with his size and strength that allows him to impact the game at both ends.”

Harris is the fourth new signing the Wildcats have made in this free agency period alongside Pinder, Okwera and Ben Henshall.