Lat's go: Mayen locked in for career year

After three seasons in the NBL, Lat Mayen believes he is ready to have a huge impact at his new club.

“I feel like I finally understand it now and I feel like I’m gonna have one of my best years with the Perth Wildcats,” he said on NBL Now.

“Off court, on court, my mind, my body — so much has changed. I’m ready for it.”

The 26-year-old hasn’t managed to find a consistent opportunity to showcase his full potential in his career to date, but is hoping that this new adventure will be the perfect fit for him.

“Ever since I first got on the phone call with them (the Wildcats), it’s been strictly ‘how can we get you better? What do we need to improve on? This is what we need from you. This is what we want to see,’” he said.

“Since then ... I’ve been working towards that and I’m extremely excited to get that new chapter rolling.”

Mayen made a big splash for the 36ers in last season’s opening game at Hoops Fest, when he put up 23 points on 11 shots against Sydney.

As Adelaide’s season continued to unfold, Mayen found himself shifting his role to a more defensive mindset in the midst of the team’s loaded offensive talents.

“It was kind of random,” he laughed.

“Sunday (Dech) went down, and somebody had to step up ... they threw me in there and I just accepted the challenge.

“I’m a competitor, I don’t want anybody to slide by me and make it look easy. And honestly, I love playing defence now even more and I want to get better at it. I think I can be a good two-way player.”

Mayen may only be 73 games into his NBL career, and while his opportunities have been sporadic at times, he has shown glimpses in the last three seasons of a player who is ready to take on more responsibility on both ends of the floor.

“If I stay ready, I don’t have to get ready,” he noted.

“When I get the opportunity, then it’s up to me. And I know in the NBL, nothing is a handout. You gotta earn it.”