Wildcats recruit compared to club legend

Wildcats guard Mason Jones may be only one pre-season game into his Perth tenure, but he’s already being compared to a club legend.

That legend is none other than four-time NBL champion and two-time NBL MVP, Ricky Grace - whose number 15 jersey had been retired by the Wildcats.

During Wednesday’s episode of NBL Now, fellow Wildcats legend Damian Martin was full of praise for the former G League star.

“Hearing Mason Jones speak, it’s all about the team,” six-time NBL champion Martin said.

“It’s team-first and he’ll bring whatever is required to help his team.

“It reminded me of Ricky Grace - who did what was ever required for the Wildcats to win.

“If you need to be the leading scorer in the night, he dropped 25 [points].

“If you need to get others involved, you get 10 dimes. 

“If they’re lacking defensively, pick up full court and create three, four, five turnovers.

“He’s the ultimate pro and has already spoken about winning a championship for the city of Perth.”

Echoing Martin’s sentiments was NBL expert Peter Hooley, saying he is ‘all-in’ on the former Sacramento Kings guard, Jones.

“[Everything from Mason thus far] has been awesome to see and I’m very excited to see what he can do this season,” Hooley said.

The Wildcats open their Hungry Jack’s NBL26 campaign on Saturday, with a RAC Arena clash with Tasmania, from 8pm AEST.

The opening round fixture will be broadcast on ESPN.